South Plazas and Santa Fe Islands
Today we saw two species of land iguanas and hiked beneath the endemic Opuntia tree cactus on the small islands of South Plaza and Santa Fe. South Plaza has a large population of land iguanas and we saw dozens of them during both the short and the long hikes this morning. The ground was covered with patches of lush and succulent Sesuvium which ranges much of the year in color from red to orange but is turning green now because of the recent rains. The Opuntia is in flower and long billed cactus finches probed in the bright blossoms and emerged covered with yellow pollen. A cactus finch foraging in a cactus flower is a perfect photo opportunity and the cameras clicked as our guests snapped the image. The black male finch sang continuously as he flitted from flower to flower; he sings to attract a mate and if the rains continue they will soon begin nest building.
We walked along the top of a dramatic cliff that drop offs into the azure ocean below. Elegant swallow-tail gulls float on the updraft along the cliff, and a gorgeous tropic bird that has double two-foot long plumes streaming from its tail and a fire engine red bill, flashes past – almost impossible to catch in a photograph. We were delighted to have a constant cooling breeze because the sky wass blue and the sun blazing! I suggested a swim from the ship when we returned to the National Geographic Islander and many of our guests indulged with pleasure; the water was warm and clear and a couple small hammerhead sharks swimming not far from the ship added to the excitement (but were of no danger to us!)
While the ship repositioned to Santa Fe Island Naturalist Jonathan entertained and educated the group about the human history of Galapagos and afterwards we enjoyed a hearty lunch buffet and a siesta before our busy afternoon. A small group of kayakers, led by naturalist Antonio paddled around the protected bay and Juan Carlos, Jonathan and I took three Zodiacs of folks snorkeling. We observed sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, sea lions and sting rays besides the many schooling fish. The water was warm and the crystal clear and the only reason we agreed to come back on board was so the hikers could shower and dress for their walks!
There were two hikes to choose from and both began from small sandy beaches where sea lions rested and brawled and played. On both hike options – the long, fast hike up to a beautiful view of the bay, and the short hike along the northern coast in a cactus forest – we found the elusive and island specific endemic Santa Fe land iguanas. The long hikers were thrilled to find a fearless and beautiful short-eared owl perched very close to the trail. Today once again our experiences were memorable and the islands we visited were different from anything else we have thus far seen!
