Floreana Island
Our expedition took us today to this paradisiacal island. On Floreana, wildlife and the human history of the Galápagos merge in a fascinating way, like anywhere else in the Galápagos archipelago. Early in the morning, on our first outing of the day, we went to visit Post Office Bay. The oldest postal system of the Pacific Ocean is located in this place and still in use today! A wooden barrel that has been replaced many times over the course of more than two centuries has been the depositary of thousands of messages throughout time. Following this amusing tradition, we dropped-off and picked up postcards. There is only one condition, the letters and postcards have to be hand-delivered without using stamps.
Back on board the Polaris and during breakfast we navigated to Champion Islet, off the eastern coast of Floreana. Snorkeling around this islet is extraordinary. Big schools of colorful tropical fish, white tipped reef sharks, and the beloved Galápagos sea lions were admired. These marine mammals are, without a doubt, one of our visitors’ favorite animal species. They are certainly one-of-a-kind. With amusing vocalizations and movements Galápagos sea lions conquer quickly not only the attention but also the affection of their observers. Sea lions possess a kind of charm that is incomparable and very contagious. When young, sea lions are very playful, both in land and in the water. Without any doubt, during our snorkeling outing today in the morning, sea lions were the stars. Their acrobatic movements, twisting contortions and fast approaches just made us feel alive with a wonderful combination of amazement and happiness. Some sea lions zip past like fast torpedoes, some stay floating close, very close, and suddenly blow bubbles in our faces. Others just play in small groups nibbling one another about the heads or flippers. Some play tag and try to hide behind rocks or crevices. The whole experience of the sea lions’ underwater ballet is in simple words: unforgettable!
Our expedition took us today to this paradisiacal island. On Floreana, wildlife and the human history of the Galápagos merge in a fascinating way, like anywhere else in the Galápagos archipelago. Early in the morning, on our first outing of the day, we went to visit Post Office Bay. The oldest postal system of the Pacific Ocean is located in this place and still in use today! A wooden barrel that has been replaced many times over the course of more than two centuries has been the depositary of thousands of messages throughout time. Following this amusing tradition, we dropped-off and picked up postcards. There is only one condition, the letters and postcards have to be hand-delivered without using stamps.
Back on board the Polaris and during breakfast we navigated to Champion Islet, off the eastern coast of Floreana. Snorkeling around this islet is extraordinary. Big schools of colorful tropical fish, white tipped reef sharks, and the beloved Galápagos sea lions were admired. These marine mammals are, without a doubt, one of our visitors’ favorite animal species. They are certainly one-of-a-kind. With amusing vocalizations and movements Galápagos sea lions conquer quickly not only the attention but also the affection of their observers. Sea lions possess a kind of charm that is incomparable and very contagious. When young, sea lions are very playful, both in land and in the water. Without any doubt, during our snorkeling outing today in the morning, sea lions were the stars. Their acrobatic movements, twisting contortions and fast approaches just made us feel alive with a wonderful combination of amazement and happiness. Some sea lions zip past like fast torpedoes, some stay floating close, very close, and suddenly blow bubbles in our faces. Others just play in small groups nibbling one another about the heads or flippers. Some play tag and try to hide behind rocks or crevices. The whole experience of the sea lions’ underwater ballet is in simple words: unforgettable!
