Floreana Island
Over five million years ago successive volcanic eruptions deep in the Pacific Ocean formed an underwater platform with high projecting mountains. Very recently, geologically speaking, these peaks were pushed up to form a group of islands, known as the Galápagos. Today the islands remain one of the most active oceanic volcanic regions in the world. Due to the location of this archipelago, seven major ocean currents bathe the islands, and are responsible for its high diversity of tropical fish.
And today indeed we saw many along the beautiful cliffs of Champion islet. This is a great habitat for plankton feeders such as creole, angels, salemas and many other species. Here, underwater currents up-well, bringing rich nutrients. But is not just fish that you find; we get to swim with our friendly sea lions, and this is a once in a lifetime experience. To watch them diving moving around with a flexible body is just awesome.
Later on we went for a panga ride along the shores of Champion and we enjoyed all those sea birds such as Galápagos shearwaters, noddy terns, gulls and the most beautiful, the red-billed tropic bird that nest in these cliffs. And many bird watchers had a close encounter with the rare Floreana mockingbird.
Over five million years ago successive volcanic eruptions deep in the Pacific Ocean formed an underwater platform with high projecting mountains. Very recently, geologically speaking, these peaks were pushed up to form a group of islands, known as the Galápagos. Today the islands remain one of the most active oceanic volcanic regions in the world. Due to the location of this archipelago, seven major ocean currents bathe the islands, and are responsible for its high diversity of tropical fish.
And today indeed we saw many along the beautiful cliffs of Champion islet. This is a great habitat for plankton feeders such as creole, angels, salemas and many other species. Here, underwater currents up-well, bringing rich nutrients. But is not just fish that you find; we get to swim with our friendly sea lions, and this is a once in a lifetime experience. To watch them diving moving around with a flexible body is just awesome.
Later on we went for a panga ride along the shores of Champion and we enjoyed all those sea birds such as Galápagos shearwaters, noddy terns, gulls and the most beautiful, the red-billed tropic bird that nest in these cliffs. And many bird watchers had a close encounter with the rare Floreana mockingbird.
