Today we explored the mysterious and noble island of Floreana, the historic capital of the Galapagos Island province and home to the first settlers. This island has been eroding for over a million years. It is home to Post Office Bay, location of the oldest postal system in South America. We visited the famous barrel to send “stamp-less” postcards. Some guests took the opportunity to paddle around the area in kayaks, and we concluded the morning with an awesome snorkel. To finish our day, we visited Cormorant Point, a visitor’s site with a flamingo population.
5/12/2025
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National Geographic Islander II
Española Island
Today’s expedition took us to one of the crown jewels of the Galápagos Islands, Española, renowned for its incredible biodiversity and striking landscapes. The day offered us a blend of relaxing encounters with marine life and dramatic displays of wildlife along one of the most iconic trails in the archipelago. Our morning began at Gardner Bay, a breathtaking stretch of white sand beach framed by turquoise waters and black lava outcrops. Upon landing, we were greeted by a colony of Galápagos sea lions lounging comfortably along the shoreline. Some curious individuals came close to inspect us as we walked along the beach. In the afternoon, we landed at Punta Suárez, where a starkly different environment awaited. The rocky coastline and dramatic cliffs provided a stunning backdrop for one of the most exciting wildlife hikes in the Galápagos. Our walk took us through nesting grounds of Nazca boobies. The highlight, however, was the waved albatross, endemic to Española and one of the most charismatic species in the archipelago. We were fortunate to observe their fascinating courtship displays—elegant and theatrical, with head bobbing, beak clacking, and sky-pointing rituals.
