Española Island
Early in the morning we started our first full expedition day in the Galápagos Islands. Our visit’s highlights were many, but waved albatross, mocking birds, nazca and blue-footed boobies, Española lizards and iguanas are unique here, just to name a few.
As soon as we disembarked we were greeted by Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea lions and shiny boulders which were drenched by garúa (light rain) which is rarely present on Española, but today we were fortunate to have it all morning long. It sounds too optimistic, but in reality we have had four years of drought and having this fresh light rain is a blessing all animals react to. They are grateful that their bodies are finally clean of dust and salt crystals which had been accumulating for a long time, not to mention the satisfaction of relinquishing a longstanding thirst.
On the island we sighted a leaping waved albatross, heading up and away from the south east side of Española; an impressive cliff which provides an powerful updraft for this true oceanic bird.
The National Geographic Polaris repositions to our next destination while we have a succulent typical Ecuadorian lunch provided by our peppering team on board.
At Gardener Beach we started with a vast array of water activities; these options could be tailored to our needs. First we experienced a visit to the underwater realm onboard the glass bottom boat, followed by deep water snorkeling. Soon after, beach goers had a close encounter with sea lions on a mile long white coralline beach. That was not all: some of our guests opted for kayak outings and while riding to our ship they were greeted with an impressive rainbow. How more perfect could this be, a grand finalé to an exceptional day.
Our expedition has just started and there are many more highlights and places to visit. Hmm…! I wonder what destiny will bring us tomorrow.
Early in the morning we started our first full expedition day in the Galápagos Islands. Our visit’s highlights were many, but waved albatross, mocking birds, nazca and blue-footed boobies, Española lizards and iguanas are unique here, just to name a few.
As soon as we disembarked we were greeted by Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea lions and shiny boulders which were drenched by garúa (light rain) which is rarely present on Española, but today we were fortunate to have it all morning long. It sounds too optimistic, but in reality we have had four years of drought and having this fresh light rain is a blessing all animals react to. They are grateful that their bodies are finally clean of dust and salt crystals which had been accumulating for a long time, not to mention the satisfaction of relinquishing a longstanding thirst.
On the island we sighted a leaping waved albatross, heading up and away from the south east side of Española; an impressive cliff which provides an powerful updraft for this true oceanic bird.
The National Geographic Polaris repositions to our next destination while we have a succulent typical Ecuadorian lunch provided by our peppering team on board.
At Gardener Beach we started with a vast array of water activities; these options could be tailored to our needs. First we experienced a visit to the underwater realm onboard the glass bottom boat, followed by deep water snorkeling. Soon after, beach goers had a close encounter with sea lions on a mile long white coralline beach. That was not all: some of our guests opted for kayak outings and while riding to our ship they were greeted with an impressive rainbow. How more perfect could this be, a grand finalé to an exceptional day.
Our expedition has just started and there are many more highlights and places to visit. Hmm…! I wonder what destiny will bring us tomorrow.
