Española Island
What a wonderful day we all had today…
This is a very moving time of the year to visit the Galápagos Archipelago, as it is the transition between seasons. The island was at its best today: after an exceptionally dry year, we had rain! In the early afternoon, a heavy garua (mist-like rain) was providing a relief to land dependent animals - they simply love it! Although this has been a four-year drought, it was hard to explain to our guests that this was a rare event. To start with, Galápagos sea lions gave us quite a welcome at the landing site as if they knew what the weather had in store. We were amused by several young sea lions that were leaping out of the water
Some were nursing their pups while others were playing on the shore or sleeping. Our guests were ecstatic at having such an unusual opportunity to observe these incredible mammals so close and filled with wonder at how unafraid of humans these creatures are in Galápagos, especially when the minds of a few were able to compare these to the California sea lions they are much familiar with. This was just the beginning. The rest of the morning was fulfilled with marine iguanas basking on rocks. Blue footed boobies were few, but some were mating or at least had their chicks in front of them; some were nesting in the middle of the trail! The endemic waved albatrosses were admired in full courtship displays, causing great amusement to all, as well as you could see in this picture.
After a delicious Ecuadorian lunch, the Polaris repositionrf to our next site where we will spend an afternoon consisting of water activities in or nearby Gardner Bay. Snorkeling, swimming, strolling on the beach, and glass bottom boat rides were some of the possibilities we all enjoyed. The beach was particularly special for our guests today. With enjoyment and amusement, they were part of a wonderful interaction they established with the local young sea lions. I am sure all will carry that experience deep in their hearts, the Galápagos experience, hopefully an inspiration for our young guests.
Back on board having experienced such very special events, we shared our experiences with our new friends: our expedition has just started! The Enchanted Islands will deliver many more surprises, keep in touch…
What a wonderful day we all had today…
This is a very moving time of the year to visit the Galápagos Archipelago, as it is the transition between seasons. The island was at its best today: after an exceptionally dry year, we had rain! In the early afternoon, a heavy garua (mist-like rain) was providing a relief to land dependent animals - they simply love it! Although this has been a four-year drought, it was hard to explain to our guests that this was a rare event. To start with, Galápagos sea lions gave us quite a welcome at the landing site as if they knew what the weather had in store. We were amused by several young sea lions that were leaping out of the water
Some were nursing their pups while others were playing on the shore or sleeping. Our guests were ecstatic at having such an unusual opportunity to observe these incredible mammals so close and filled with wonder at how unafraid of humans these creatures are in Galápagos, especially when the minds of a few were able to compare these to the California sea lions they are much familiar with. This was just the beginning. The rest of the morning was fulfilled with marine iguanas basking on rocks. Blue footed boobies were few, but some were mating or at least had their chicks in front of them; some were nesting in the middle of the trail! The endemic waved albatrosses were admired in full courtship displays, causing great amusement to all, as well as you could see in this picture.
After a delicious Ecuadorian lunch, the Polaris repositionrf to our next site where we will spend an afternoon consisting of water activities in or nearby Gardner Bay. Snorkeling, swimming, strolling on the beach, and glass bottom boat rides were some of the possibilities we all enjoyed. The beach was particularly special for our guests today. With enjoyment and amusement, they were part of a wonderful interaction they established with the local young sea lions. I am sure all will carry that experience deep in their hearts, the Galápagos experience, hopefully an inspiration for our young guests.
Back on board having experienced such very special events, we shared our experiences with our new friends: our expedition has just started! The Enchanted Islands will deliver many more surprises, keep in touch…
