Floreana Island is a place full of history, unique species, projects and colors. Being one of the oldest islands in the peninsula, it possesses a high number of endemic species. It was the first inhabited island, home of curious characters and intriguing histories. It is emblematic for the fight of conservationists, due to the efforts to restore the island and create the first sustainable population in Galapagos. Today, we enjoyed a full day on this beautiful island.
The day started early, we disembarked at 6:30 am for our hike to Punta Cormorant. The area is dry but with many hidden surprises. First, we passed by a lagoon which was home of many flamingos, then while walking to the other side of this little peninsula we encountered many of the unique species of plants that are found here, such as the rare long-haired “scalesia” and the wing-fruited “lecocarpus,” both unique to Floreana Island. We ended at a beautiful white beach, where we enjoyed watching the skillful diving of the blue-footed boobies.
After breakfast, we headed on to Champion Islet. This little rock in the ocean is home to one of the last populations of the Floreana mockingbird. After spending some time looking for this elusive bird, and then we prepared for our afternoon snorkel excursion.
We could not have asked for better snorkeling conditions—it was the highlight of the day! Playful Sea lions, fish of all different shapes and colors, great visibility and sun! It was truly an afternoon to remember.
Later on, some of us enjoyed a visit to a little beach on Post Office Bay, while others went to explore the area in kayaks; all of us later converged at an historical site known as the Post Office Barrel. Here we became part of a tradition that has been working since 1792. We left letters in a barrel hidden behind the vegetation and we took some letters that had been left before, with the promise of hand delivering them in their destination. This tradition was started by whalers as a way to send letters back home, but today it is mostly just a fun way to communicate and meet other visitors of this unique archipelago, once known as the Enchanted Islands.
