Española Island
What a wonderful way to explore the oldest and most eroded volcano in the Galápagos! Our welcome committee at Punta Suarez was composed of sea lion pups playing in tide pools and the unique endemic marine iguanas protecting their territories, because the mating and breeding season is taking place at this time of the year. In addition, the Española mockingbirds followed us all the way to the Blowhole. On the one hand, we had to cross the Nazca booby nesting area, which was very active as the chicks were being preened and fed by their parents. On the other hand, the first blue-footed boobies were displaying their beautiful feet in elaborate courtship displays in their breeding ground. Furthermore, the Galápagos hawk, top of the food chain, was observing the area carefully.
At noon, we had the great opportunity to try a typical Ecuadorian buffet. Several dishes from different regions of the country (Highlands and the Coast) were present.
In the afternoon, we navigated to Gardner Bay on the north-western side of the island. Activities here took place in the water and on the beach. This time the greeting was done by sea lions lying on the gorgeous white sandy beach. Some of our guests chose the kayaking option in order to discover the wildlife along the cliffs. Others explored the spectacular, surprising and magical underwater world through snorkeling on with our glass bottom boat. We spotted a sea turtle, a shark, white-spotted eagle rays and schooling razorfish. Suddenly, young curious sea lions came up to play with us, nibbled on our fins and almost tried to kiss us.
No wonder this archipelago was once known as the “Enchanted Islands.” Whatever we do has an almost supernatural feel to it!
What a wonderful way to explore the oldest and most eroded volcano in the Galápagos! Our welcome committee at Punta Suarez was composed of sea lion pups playing in tide pools and the unique endemic marine iguanas protecting their territories, because the mating and breeding season is taking place at this time of the year. In addition, the Española mockingbirds followed us all the way to the Blowhole. On the one hand, we had to cross the Nazca booby nesting area, which was very active as the chicks were being preened and fed by their parents. On the other hand, the first blue-footed boobies were displaying their beautiful feet in elaborate courtship displays in their breeding ground. Furthermore, the Galápagos hawk, top of the food chain, was observing the area carefully.
At noon, we had the great opportunity to try a typical Ecuadorian buffet. Several dishes from different regions of the country (Highlands and the Coast) were present.
In the afternoon, we navigated to Gardner Bay on the north-western side of the island. Activities here took place in the water and on the beach. This time the greeting was done by sea lions lying on the gorgeous white sandy beach. Some of our guests chose the kayaking option in order to discover the wildlife along the cliffs. Others explored the spectacular, surprising and magical underwater world through snorkeling on with our glass bottom boat. We spotted a sea turtle, a shark, white-spotted eagle rays and schooling razorfish. Suddenly, young curious sea lions came up to play with us, nibbled on our fins and almost tried to kiss us.
No wonder this archipelago was once known as the “Enchanted Islands.” Whatever we do has an almost supernatural feel to it!
