Española Island
Our beloved National Geographic Polaris navigated all night long towards the southeast. We dropped anchor early in the morning at Punta Suarez, a location like paradise on Española Island.
Every single visitor coming to the Galápagos Islands is amazed by the fearless behavior of the animals that inhabit the archipelago. Today, while walking on the trail, we were surrounded by many different species of birds. Blue-footed boobies were nesting everywhere at a close range to the trail. Nazca boobies were seen along the high cliffs. We were very lucky, for we found some of the last albatross of the season. These beautiful marine bird species were getting ready to do their first jump and leave the island to fly south. Many of us were stunned to observe the arrival of the main predator on the Islands, the mighty Galápagos Hawk. As the predator landed on a rock, dozens of Swallow tailed gulls that were nesting in the area started to scream. Their loud calls were voices of alarm, a warning that was clearly interpreted as “Be careful, a hawk is here!” In fact, the gulls were protecting their chicks. Another bird species that captured the attention of our visitors was the endemic Española Mockingbird. This species of mockingbird is extremely curious. Today we had one that followed the group. The bird seemed liked it was listening to our talks and walked with us just as another member of the group.
In the afternoon we moved to a different location, Gardner Bay. We practiced water activities and had plenty of beach time. Snorkelling was outstanding as well, for we saw big schools of fish. We all were amazed by the sighting of golden Cow rays breeding. It was an incredible experience to see the rays like flying and dancing underwater.
The Galápagos archipelago is fascinating; every island and every experience is different. What a treasure!
Our beloved National Geographic Polaris navigated all night long towards the southeast. We dropped anchor early in the morning at Punta Suarez, a location like paradise on Española Island.
Every single visitor coming to the Galápagos Islands is amazed by the fearless behavior of the animals that inhabit the archipelago. Today, while walking on the trail, we were surrounded by many different species of birds. Blue-footed boobies were nesting everywhere at a close range to the trail. Nazca boobies were seen along the high cliffs. We were very lucky, for we found some of the last albatross of the season. These beautiful marine bird species were getting ready to do their first jump and leave the island to fly south. Many of us were stunned to observe the arrival of the main predator on the Islands, the mighty Galápagos Hawk. As the predator landed on a rock, dozens of Swallow tailed gulls that were nesting in the area started to scream. Their loud calls were voices of alarm, a warning that was clearly interpreted as “Be careful, a hawk is here!” In fact, the gulls were protecting their chicks. Another bird species that captured the attention of our visitors was the endemic Española Mockingbird. This species of mockingbird is extremely curious. Today we had one that followed the group. The bird seemed liked it was listening to our talks and walked with us just as another member of the group.
In the afternoon we moved to a different location, Gardner Bay. We practiced water activities and had plenty of beach time. Snorkelling was outstanding as well, for we saw big schools of fish. We all were amazed by the sighting of golden Cow rays breeding. It was an incredible experience to see the rays like flying and dancing underwater.
The Galápagos archipelago is fascinating; every island and every experience is different. What a treasure!
