Floreana Island
The Galapagos Archipelago has recently been declared the second largest marine reserve in the world, due to the high number of endemic fish species found here, as well as the abundant populations of both sea turtles and sharks. It is not an area of large coral reef formations, due to the cool waters that bathe these remote islands during most of the year. The underwater topography is nevertheless intricate and fascinating, due to the volcanic nature of the island walls and the seabed. The nooks and crannies offered by the tumbled rocks and the carved out cliffs make the perfect habitat for a large number of colorful and unusual species.
We are at present entering the hot season here, with water temperatures reaching 76 degrees Fahrenheit and beautifully crystalline waters. The following months are without doubt the best time of the year for all lovers of aquatic activities. The snorkeling is spectacular and the SCUBA diving is at it’s best. We are able to offer this option through our connection with a local dive company, an opportunity that five of our guests took this week. They delved into the depths of the turquoise waters, whilst exhaling bubbles up to their shallow water counterparts, the snorkelers, much to the delight of the myriad young sea lions enticed into the area by the unaccustomed activity. Champion Islet is an eroded cinder cone, whose steep cliffs are covered in swaying stems of black coral and whose shelves harbor the peaceful white-tipped reef sharks. Although the magnificence of the walls is well appreciated by those from the surface through either the face masks or the glass bottom of a specially-constructed vessel, it is truly satisfying to be able to descend the walls to the limit of abundant sea life, where the sunlight hardly penetrates.
The highlights of this special day did not end with the water activities however, as both flamingoes and green sea turtles in full breeding season offered plenty of on-shore entertainment for the hikers. We encountered two modern-day Robinson Crusoes during our time on the island: a couple of French scientists studying the relatively unknown ecosystems inhabiting the fifty-odd brackish lagoons dotting the archipelago: a great favorite with the islands’ spectacular population of greater flamingoes. Certainly different to our comfortable existence on board the Polaris as we explore the islands, and it was a pleasure to invite them on board to partake a little of this beautiful, full-mooned evening with us.
The Galapagos Archipelago has recently been declared the second largest marine reserve in the world, due to the high number of endemic fish species found here, as well as the abundant populations of both sea turtles and sharks. It is not an area of large coral reef formations, due to the cool waters that bathe these remote islands during most of the year. The underwater topography is nevertheless intricate and fascinating, due to the volcanic nature of the island walls and the seabed. The nooks and crannies offered by the tumbled rocks and the carved out cliffs make the perfect habitat for a large number of colorful and unusual species.
We are at present entering the hot season here, with water temperatures reaching 76 degrees Fahrenheit and beautifully crystalline waters. The following months are without doubt the best time of the year for all lovers of aquatic activities. The snorkeling is spectacular and the SCUBA diving is at it’s best. We are able to offer this option through our connection with a local dive company, an opportunity that five of our guests took this week. They delved into the depths of the turquoise waters, whilst exhaling bubbles up to their shallow water counterparts, the snorkelers, much to the delight of the myriad young sea lions enticed into the area by the unaccustomed activity. Champion Islet is an eroded cinder cone, whose steep cliffs are covered in swaying stems of black coral and whose shelves harbor the peaceful white-tipped reef sharks. Although the magnificence of the walls is well appreciated by those from the surface through either the face masks or the glass bottom of a specially-constructed vessel, it is truly satisfying to be able to descend the walls to the limit of abundant sea life, where the sunlight hardly penetrates.
The highlights of this special day did not end with the water activities however, as both flamingoes and green sea turtles in full breeding season offered plenty of on-shore entertainment for the hikers. We encountered two modern-day Robinson Crusoes during our time on the island: a couple of French scientists studying the relatively unknown ecosystems inhabiting the fifty-odd brackish lagoons dotting the archipelago: a great favorite with the islands’ spectacular population of greater flamingoes. Certainly different to our comfortable existence on board the Polaris as we explore the islands, and it was a pleasure to invite them on board to partake a little of this beautiful, full-mooned evening with us.
