Española Island
What a day we had today!
Early in the morning as the sun rose we arrived at Española Island, where we saw marine iguanas, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, mockingbirds, lava lizards and other impressive wildlife. Our walk was sunny with a gentle cool breeze.
Española Island is very special because it is the home of the waved albatross, a true oceanic seabird. We saw many albatross chicks with fluffy down feathers and erratic behavior like all youngsters waiting for their parents. They will be leaving for the south soon, probably in about 45 days or so, but for now they are here, surrounded by bright colors and assorted sounds like the famous “blow hole” a lava feature carved by mother nature.
Back on the National Geographic Polaris we repositioned for our next destination. Meanwhile, our Expedition Leader Cindy Manning, briefed us on safety procedures to maximize our snorkeling experience in the underwater realm. A glass bottom boat was also deployed for those who did not wish to snorkel. Afterwards, beach goers went ashore for an impressive half-mile long white sand shore teeming with sea lions of different ages. The weather changed a bit with a low misty rain, locally know as garúa. This fresh water spray is always welcome since the Galápagos obtain only 10 inches of rain water per year. Our kayakers kept their spirits high as they paddled along the coast; meanwhile the garúa dissipated as the sun quietly set on our first full day.
Our expedition has just started and the experiences are vast, everyone is wondering how we are going to top the next day. Not to worry, these are the “Enchanted Islands” and there are many more surprises waiting for us.
What a day we had today!
Early in the morning as the sun rose we arrived at Española Island, where we saw marine iguanas, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, mockingbirds, lava lizards and other impressive wildlife. Our walk was sunny with a gentle cool breeze.
Española Island is very special because it is the home of the waved albatross, a true oceanic seabird. We saw many albatross chicks with fluffy down feathers and erratic behavior like all youngsters waiting for their parents. They will be leaving for the south soon, probably in about 45 days or so, but for now they are here, surrounded by bright colors and assorted sounds like the famous “blow hole” a lava feature carved by mother nature.
Back on the National Geographic Polaris we repositioned for our next destination. Meanwhile, our Expedition Leader Cindy Manning, briefed us on safety procedures to maximize our snorkeling experience in the underwater realm. A glass bottom boat was also deployed for those who did not wish to snorkel. Afterwards, beach goers went ashore for an impressive half-mile long white sand shore teeming with sea lions of different ages. The weather changed a bit with a low misty rain, locally know as garúa. This fresh water spray is always welcome since the Galápagos obtain only 10 inches of rain water per year. Our kayakers kept their spirits high as they paddled along the coast; meanwhile the garúa dissipated as the sun quietly set on our first full day.
Our expedition has just started and the experiences are vast, everyone is wondering how we are going to top the next day. Not to worry, these are the “Enchanted Islands” and there are many more surprises waiting for us.
