Floreana Island
The first human settlers of the Galápagos Islands arrived first to this island some centuries ago. Pirates and Buccaneers roamed around Floreana Island many years ago. The great Naturalist Charles Darwin did it on his time as well! Today it was our turn to disembark on the magical Floreana, the “Mystery Island.” Stopping by Post Office Bay has been a tradition since the late seventeen hundreds. In 1793 Captain James Colnett established an innovative way to communicate among the entire English whaling fleet, within themselves and with their country. Captain Colnett placed a barrel to deliver and pick up messages that became the first mailing system in the Americas. This scenic barrel was the beginning of our adventure today, for we visited it early this morning. We checked the postcards left in the barrel with the promise to hand deliver the ones close to our homes. We left ours as well, no stamps needed, so future visitors would take them.
After breakfast we went to a different location, Champion Islet. Snorkeling around this islet is one of the highlights of the week. As soon as we jumped in we were surrounded by hundreds of King Angel and Pacific Creole fish. We saw other fish species, rays, sea stars, and Pacific sea turtles, but the Galápagos sea lions were the favorite for most of us.
The afternoon was relaxed and filled with colors. We had time for kayaking in the blue sea as well as spending some time on a green beach. From the beach we got ready for a walk to a second beach located at the other side of the hill. On the way, we spotted some pink flamingoes in a brackish lagoon. Bright red Sally Lightfoot crabs were posing for our cameras.
To top the day off, we saw Pacific sea turtles mating close to the shoreline. Finally we witnessed the most beautiful and colorful sunset from the mysterious Floreana Island.
The first human settlers of the Galápagos Islands arrived first to this island some centuries ago. Pirates and Buccaneers roamed around Floreana Island many years ago. The great Naturalist Charles Darwin did it on his time as well! Today it was our turn to disembark on the magical Floreana, the “Mystery Island.” Stopping by Post Office Bay has been a tradition since the late seventeen hundreds. In 1793 Captain James Colnett established an innovative way to communicate among the entire English whaling fleet, within themselves and with their country. Captain Colnett placed a barrel to deliver and pick up messages that became the first mailing system in the Americas. This scenic barrel was the beginning of our adventure today, for we visited it early this morning. We checked the postcards left in the barrel with the promise to hand deliver the ones close to our homes. We left ours as well, no stamps needed, so future visitors would take them.
After breakfast we went to a different location, Champion Islet. Snorkeling around this islet is one of the highlights of the week. As soon as we jumped in we were surrounded by hundreds of King Angel and Pacific Creole fish. We saw other fish species, rays, sea stars, and Pacific sea turtles, but the Galápagos sea lions were the favorite for most of us.
The afternoon was relaxed and filled with colors. We had time for kayaking in the blue sea as well as spending some time on a green beach. From the beach we got ready for a walk to a second beach located at the other side of the hill. On the way, we spotted some pink flamingoes in a brackish lagoon. Bright red Sally Lightfoot crabs were posing for our cameras.
To top the day off, we saw Pacific sea turtles mating close to the shoreline. Finally we witnessed the most beautiful and colorful sunset from the mysterious Floreana Island.
