Española Island
This was our first full day of our expedition around these enchanted islands. Española Island is one of the oldest ones of the archipelago. Millions of years ago this island was born from the ocean floor; little by little it started to drift apart from its original location due to the movement of the Nazca tectonic plate. Some of the species found on Espanola Island arrived a long time ago before new islands were formed.
The latter statement is one of the keys why Espanola’s fauna is so exceptional compared with the rest of the islands. Several species found on Española Island are found only here and nowhere else in the Archipelago (e.g. Española marine iguanas, Española mockingbirds, Española lava lizards, and last but not least an Española snake and many others endemics).
Due to its location and topography, Española Island is a perfect home for the largest sea bird in Galápagos, the Waved albatross. These birds must be on their way coming to the island. The first individuals will be arriving in the next few days to nest on Española after being on the open sea for months.
At midday we came back on board and the National Geographic Polaris; during lunch time, was repositioned to Gardner Bay. After a colorful and profuse Ecuadorian lunch, we had a short nap to get ready for our afternoon activities. Deep water snorkeling for those wishing to explore the underwater world was the first activity. Others were glass bottom boat outings and a walk for those wishing to explore the beach. All these activities were combined at different times. We offered snorkeling lessons for beginners at Gardner beach. Kayaking outings in the nearby Gardner islet were practiced as well. The white coralline beach was covered with Galápagos sea lions.
Little by little everyone started to come back on board with smiley faces. But the day was not over, since at the end of the day, before going to bed and after dinner, our guests went to the upper deck for a star gazing session. It was a real pleasure for me to show them some constellations, especially the famous Southern Cross that was right just above our heads.
What a day we spent on this magical island!
This was our first full day of our expedition around these enchanted islands. Española Island is one of the oldest ones of the archipelago. Millions of years ago this island was born from the ocean floor; little by little it started to drift apart from its original location due to the movement of the Nazca tectonic plate. Some of the species found on Espanola Island arrived a long time ago before new islands were formed.
The latter statement is one of the keys why Espanola’s fauna is so exceptional compared with the rest of the islands. Several species found on Española Island are found only here and nowhere else in the Archipelago (e.g. Española marine iguanas, Española mockingbirds, Española lava lizards, and last but not least an Española snake and many others endemics).
Due to its location and topography, Española Island is a perfect home for the largest sea bird in Galápagos, the Waved albatross. These birds must be on their way coming to the island. The first individuals will be arriving in the next few days to nest on Española after being on the open sea for months.
At midday we came back on board and the National Geographic Polaris; during lunch time, was repositioned to Gardner Bay. After a colorful and profuse Ecuadorian lunch, we had a short nap to get ready for our afternoon activities. Deep water snorkeling for those wishing to explore the underwater world was the first activity. Others were glass bottom boat outings and a walk for those wishing to explore the beach. All these activities were combined at different times. We offered snorkeling lessons for beginners at Gardner beach. Kayaking outings in the nearby Gardner islet were practiced as well. The white coralline beach was covered with Galápagos sea lions.
Little by little everyone started to come back on board with smiley faces. But the day was not over, since at the end of the day, before going to bed and after dinner, our guests went to the upper deck for a star gazing session. It was a real pleasure for me to show them some constellations, especially the famous Southern Cross that was right just above our heads.
What a day we spent on this magical island!
