Española Island
Española Island is one of the oldest islands in this archipelago. Today we visited this island in the morning and afternoon. Our guests were very excited to see so many birds and so close, especially such impressive species as Nazca boobies, blue footed boobies and waved albatross chicks. All this was against the back drop of some spectacular scenery: tall cliffs many birds take off from, and the thundering blow hole that shoots sky high as the waves hit the shoreline just right. This time of year is a really special one for this island, and the weather: cool, breezy, slightly overcast is just perfect for the walk. In fact our guests were extremely reluctant to leave this wildlife high behind, and only the thought of another Polaris lunch was enticing enough in the end!
After lunch we indulged in a healthy Ecuadorian tradition, the siesta, just what was needed to re-fill with energy for afternoon outings, and after an introductory slide show about the islands from our Expedition Leader we departed for more activities. Several options were in store for us, and many took at least two out of three: a glass bottom boat ride, snorkeling or just strolling, relaxing and learning to snorkel off the beach. The water conditions today were very calm and strangely clear for this time of year—though cool, the great visibility enabled us to have a fantastic time both snorkeling and glass bottom boating. Amongst the marine species encountered were many different fish (including an unusual eel), eagle rays, and sharks. It was fun to share underwater footage I took with everyone at recap, as we identified many of the animals that made up this memorable outing.
The beach was also unforgettable, as along the stretches of white sand was innumerable sea lions, stretched out in blissful laziness. At this time of year, females are having pups left, right and center! I took the digital camera and approached a pup just a few hours old at the most. Its mother was very tired, too much so to teach the pup to suckle just yet, so it had to try a find a way to obtain milk for itself. This was so endearing to watch it try to suckle on different parts of its mother body, finally ending up attempting to nurse at the females earflap!
Española Island is one of the oldest islands in this archipelago. Today we visited this island in the morning and afternoon. Our guests were very excited to see so many birds and so close, especially such impressive species as Nazca boobies, blue footed boobies and waved albatross chicks. All this was against the back drop of some spectacular scenery: tall cliffs many birds take off from, and the thundering blow hole that shoots sky high as the waves hit the shoreline just right. This time of year is a really special one for this island, and the weather: cool, breezy, slightly overcast is just perfect for the walk. In fact our guests were extremely reluctant to leave this wildlife high behind, and only the thought of another Polaris lunch was enticing enough in the end!
After lunch we indulged in a healthy Ecuadorian tradition, the siesta, just what was needed to re-fill with energy for afternoon outings, and after an introductory slide show about the islands from our Expedition Leader we departed for more activities. Several options were in store for us, and many took at least two out of three: a glass bottom boat ride, snorkeling or just strolling, relaxing and learning to snorkel off the beach. The water conditions today were very calm and strangely clear for this time of year—though cool, the great visibility enabled us to have a fantastic time both snorkeling and glass bottom boating. Amongst the marine species encountered were many different fish (including an unusual eel), eagle rays, and sharks. It was fun to share underwater footage I took with everyone at recap, as we identified many of the animals that made up this memorable outing.
The beach was also unforgettable, as along the stretches of white sand was innumerable sea lions, stretched out in blissful laziness. At this time of year, females are having pups left, right and center! I took the digital camera and approached a pup just a few hours old at the most. Its mother was very tired, too much so to teach the pup to suckle just yet, so it had to try a find a way to obtain milk for itself. This was so endearing to watch it try to suckle on different parts of its mother body, finally ending up attempting to nurse at the females earflap!
