Floreana and Isabela Islands
Last night we moved west toward Floreana island, also known as Charles or Santa Maria, (you can choose the name you like the most). It was a beautiful and mysterious morning due to the low cloud formation. We also had a bit of fog, which characterizes the so called “garua season.”
It was quite an experience! The whole panga ride and the historical place known as post office barrel were at their best. The swap-mailing system is a tradition that began long time ago, when a British Captain James Colnet was sent to find new whaling grounds off the coast of South America, out of control of the Spanish authorities. The Galápagos Islands became, unfortunately, the ideal spot.
Later on our Captain Juan Rueda repositioned the ship next to Champion islet, located just off Floreana, and we focused on water activities. Champion was great! Lots of fish and sea lions (the water ballerinas) had fun with us.
In the afternoon we sailed toward the southern end of Isabela Island and what a surprise on the way: Cetaceans! We spotted several different kinds. We saw tropical whales (or Bryde’s), common dolphins and bottle-nosed dolphins. After spending a short time with them we continued on course toward the small village of Villamil. Here we visited a rearing center where endangered tortoises are raised in captivity and then we stopped at a lagoon were we enjoyed a group of greater flamingoes.
Last night we moved west toward Floreana island, also known as Charles or Santa Maria, (you can choose the name you like the most). It was a beautiful and mysterious morning due to the low cloud formation. We also had a bit of fog, which characterizes the so called “garua season.”
It was quite an experience! The whole panga ride and the historical place known as post office barrel were at their best. The swap-mailing system is a tradition that began long time ago, when a British Captain James Colnet was sent to find new whaling grounds off the coast of South America, out of control of the Spanish authorities. The Galápagos Islands became, unfortunately, the ideal spot.
Later on our Captain Juan Rueda repositioned the ship next to Champion islet, located just off Floreana, and we focused on water activities. Champion was great! Lots of fish and sea lions (the water ballerinas) had fun with us.
In the afternoon we sailed toward the southern end of Isabela Island and what a surprise on the way: Cetaceans! We spotted several different kinds. We saw tropical whales (or Bryde’s), common dolphins and bottle-nosed dolphins. After spending a short time with them we continued on course toward the small village of Villamil. Here we visited a rearing center where endangered tortoises are raised in captivity and then we stopped at a lagoon were we enjoyed a group of greater flamingoes.
