Española Island
The first full day; this is when it is obvious our guests have never been so close to wildlife before. Some are surprised by the things they missed in some places. Our islands are a magic place to observe even the smallest interactions between species, some of which are only found here and nowhere else in the Galápagos.
This morning when we got ready after a great breakfast, our guests disembarked at Punta Suarez. The first impressions of the exuberant flora and some animals are incredible. This is because for almost half a year the rains have not been present on this island and the land biodiversity depends on it. Darwin finches are prolific animals all around the year, but this exceptional amount of rain brings the extra energy necessary for their reproduction.
In the morning, the sea lions were all along the beach. The marine iguanas with the rare variation of red and turquoise are also found here. We walked for about one mile in intense humidity from the last rain and most of us experienced the fast change of weather along the trail as the sun rose higher, which is normal at this time of the year.
We spent a good time observing the force of waves pushing against cliff and the famous blowhole.
When we came back aboard the National Geographic Polaris we had a great Ecuadorian style lunch followed by a short siesta time. In the afternoon, in a magical place known as Gardner Bay, our options were hard to remember because there were so many. However, snorkeling is like no other activity and was a favorite among our guests. Different colors appear underwater where many fish are hanging along the submarine cliff of Gardner Islet; sharks, eels, turtles and rays appeared. Kayaking is also an excellent choice of activity that demands some good energy.
At the beach, dozens of sea lions rest during the day, giving the false impression they are large boulders in disorder. When the first Zodiac arrived to shore it was a complete surprise, no one could believe that so many rocks were actually sea lions and that we wouldn’t disturb them at all. And we didn’t.
To see footage from this day, please click here.
