Today we started our day early in the morning at Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island, where we went ashore for our pre breakfast hike. There, we learned about the different material from which we can get sand. During our walk we passed by a brackish lagoon where we spotted several shore birds including the colorful great flamingo. On the leeward side of the point we found a number of sea turtles floating on a shallow calm bay. Some of them were mating, which indicates that the breeding season just started.
Later we visited small Champion Island for a Zodiac ride and snorkeling. During the zodiac ride we had the opportunity to see lots of sea birds such as; Galapagos shearwaters, Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds and the elusive Floreana mocking bird hopping on the pads of a prickly pear cacti forest. Snorkeling was amazing; in the water we were surrounded by hundreds of colorful tropical fishes such as king angel fishes, creoles fishes, pelican barracudas, sergeant mayors, parrot fishes, white tip reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, mobula rays and more! Also we got the chance to swim with the playful sea lions, of which there are many in this area.
In the afternoon we kayaked around the Loberia, where we spotted several species of egrets, herons, pelicans and even Galapagos penguins. We had a great time! Later we visited the traditional Post Office Bay, famous for its history. During the industrial revolution whalers visited Floreana for a supply of fresh water, to collect tortoises, and to use an honor based system to send letters to their friends and family.
At the end of the afternoon we took our Zodiacs to explore the surroundings looking for more sea birds. It was another great day in paradise.
