Española Island
Española is the southernmost island of the Galápagos archipelago. It is a fairly small and eroded island, but constitutes a highlight due to its abundance of wildlife. Today, the island was at its best. The sun was shining strongly, enhancing the beautiful colours of both sky and water, setting a perfect frame for the inhabitants of the Island. Galápagos sea lions were part of a greeting committee that waited for us at the main dock. These lovely creatures were everywhere along the shoreline, and at the same time constituted a delight for their observers. Many of the sea lions were playing in the water, while others were sleeping placidly ashore. As we started the walk along the cliff area, we observed in very close range the always fascinating blue-footed boobies. Some of them were performing their famous and rather amusing dance and courtship. Nazca boobies with their pure white plumage were admired as well. Some other animal species that were also observed included the endemic Española mockingbirds, Española lava lizards and the colourful Española marine iguanas. This morning the female marine iguanas were very busy. Many of them were diligently digging holes in the ground to lay their eggs.
All of our guests were amazed by the fact that none of these animals were afraid of them. The Galápagos archipelago is one of the very few places on Earth where you can have the unusual opportunity to observe different species of animals, not only very closely, but showing a total lack of fear. This is an experience that it is not only hard to believe but unforgettable as well.
Española is the southernmost island of the Galápagos archipelago. It is a fairly small and eroded island, but constitutes a highlight due to its abundance of wildlife. Today, the island was at its best. The sun was shining strongly, enhancing the beautiful colours of both sky and water, setting a perfect frame for the inhabitants of the Island. Galápagos sea lions were part of a greeting committee that waited for us at the main dock. These lovely creatures were everywhere along the shoreline, and at the same time constituted a delight for their observers. Many of the sea lions were playing in the water, while others were sleeping placidly ashore. As we started the walk along the cliff area, we observed in very close range the always fascinating blue-footed boobies. Some of them were performing their famous and rather amusing dance and courtship. Nazca boobies with their pure white plumage were admired as well. Some other animal species that were also observed included the endemic Española mockingbirds, Española lava lizards and the colourful Española marine iguanas. This morning the female marine iguanas were very busy. Many of them were diligently digging holes in the ground to lay their eggs.
All of our guests were amazed by the fact that none of these animals were afraid of them. The Galápagos archipelago is one of the very few places on Earth where you can have the unusual opportunity to observe different species of animals, not only very closely, but showing a total lack of fear. This is an experience that it is not only hard to believe but unforgettable as well.
