Española Island
On the last day of our unforgettable journey in the Galápagos Islands, we visited the oldest island of the archipelago. Española Island, located on the south-eastern side of the archipelago, once a large island, it has been moved away from the volcanic hotspot by the movement of the underlying tectonic plate, the Nazca Plate. The wind and sea took a major toll shaping it over the eons of time, and all we see now is a low, small island that will eventually disappear under the restless waves of the Pacific Ocean.
The northern side of the island is less spectacular in terms of wildlife but far more welcoming, as this area is covered in white sandy beaches full of sea lions. This allowed us access to the island. Snorkelling, kayaking and walking along the beach among Galápagos sea lions on a wonderful white sandy beach was the delight of our guests.
The appearance of this island is different from the rest. It is made of high cliffs facing prevailing winds and currents. Here, one of the highlights is the blowhole which sends seawater sky high as seabirds fly past. This area is the perfect take-off and landing site for large seabirds such as blue-footed boobies, waved albatrosses and Nazca boobies, the largest of the three booby species that inhabit the Galápagos Islands.
It was a truly unforgettable experience, to walk in the afternoon among colonies of hundreds of seabirds, all completely unafraid of our presence.
Just Amazing!
