Espanola Island
Another day in paradise! Today our visit took place on the island of Espanola, or Hood. This is the oldest island in the Galapagos; therefore one sees many endemic species. It was a great walk enjoyed by all our guests.
In the afternoon we focused on water activities at Gardner Bay, which is one of the most beautiful bays of these islands. It offers a long sandy beach great for swimming and snorkeling. There was also a deep-water snorkeling option where we saw schools of tropical fish and spotted eagle rays. Rays are amazing fish that have no swim bladders but are nonetheless excellent swimmers. When we understand how they manage this, we can better appreciate the advantages of a bladder to the reef fish. To swim and stay afloat at the same time, the rays must gain lift as well as propulsion from their bodies and fins, though some are assisted by buoyant livers. Eagle rays and manta rays have developed pectoral fins that are so broad as literally to be wings, these rays actually fly though the water.
Another day in paradise! Today our visit took place on the island of Espanola, or Hood. This is the oldest island in the Galapagos; therefore one sees many endemic species. It was a great walk enjoyed by all our guests.
In the afternoon we focused on water activities at Gardner Bay, which is one of the most beautiful bays of these islands. It offers a long sandy beach great for swimming and snorkeling. There was also a deep-water snorkeling option where we saw schools of tropical fish and spotted eagle rays. Rays are amazing fish that have no swim bladders but are nonetheless excellent swimmers. When we understand how they manage this, we can better appreciate the advantages of a bladder to the reef fish. To swim and stay afloat at the same time, the rays must gain lift as well as propulsion from their bodies and fins, though some are assisted by buoyant livers. Eagle rays and manta rays have developed pectoral fins that are so broad as literally to be wings, these rays actually fly though the water.
