Today we started our expedition early in the morning at Punta Cormorant, Floreana Island. Floreana was the first island to hold permanent residents, whose presence made history. This morning however, it was just a tranquil place with only the unique animals found here. We passed by a brackish lagoon where we spotted a good number of Great flamingos. On the windward side of the point there is a beautiful white sandy beach, where sting rays were spotted. The landscape is unique and although it was early, the sun started to show how strong it can be on the equator.
We went back on board for a well-deserved breakfast. There was time to relax as we repositioned the ship toward the next destination, Champion Islet. Here our guests enjoyed an amazing Zodiac ride where we got to see lots of sea birds such as Galapagos shearwaters, red billed tropic birds, Nazca boobies, brown noddies and the rare Floreana mocking bird which came very close to us, hopping on the rocks, posing for the eager photographers! We went back on board just to get ready for the next activity, deep water snorkeling. Snorkeling at Champion Islet is just incredible! The underwater world is as spectacular as the visits on land and the fish are just as tame as the birds. We got to see big schools of yellow tailed surgeon fish, creole fish, king angel fish, black stripped salemas and colorful parrot fish. Two white tipped reef sharks were observed, as well as Galapagos sea lions. The water was crystal clear and warm. What an experience!
After an exquisite lunch the National Geographic Islander was repositioned once again toward Post Office Bay. Here we all went to visit the famous barrel where, following in the old mail tradition, postcards were dropped off and other postcards were taken. It is great fun! Afterward our guests had the option of kayaking or taking a Zodiac ride around La Loberia which is a unique opportunity to get pictures of the Pacific green sea turtle as they come to the surface to for air!
Galapagos sea lions followed us, playful as usual, showing how acrobatic they can be and they were a delight for our visitors.
We had a great time this afternoon, and to end this great day we spotted a Galapagos penguin resting on the rocks, showing the diversity of the Galapagos Archipelago. We are thankful for this paradise.
