Floreana Island
An early hike at Punta Cormorant was done to explore the first wonders of Floreana Island. This was a pre-breakfast outing where some of us got to see one greater flamingo feeding on small crustaceans living in a brackish water lagoon found in the coast line of this visitor site.
As we headed to the other side of the landing spot, we encountered a beautiful white sand beach where some of the pacific green sea turtles were mating. The nesting area for these sea turtles was large at the beach and some of got to see some females taking a break from males by the shoreline.
After breakfast we went for a Zodiac ride along Champion Islet, where some of us were lucky to see the rare and almost extinct Floreana mockingbird. Many sea birds were spotted nesting on the cliffs, as well as some sea lions resting on the black lava rocks. After the Zodiac ride, we went to explore the ocean life of the Galapagos and snorkeling was a great opportunity to enjoy this. Many tropical species of fish were seen: an octopus, white- tip reef sharks, and lobsters. The most fascinating part of the outing was to have the chance to play the sea lion pups; it really seemed like they had as much fun as we did swimming with them.
In the afternoon we visited the famous Floreana post office barrel that ancient sailors used as a communication system with the rest of the world. So we followed the tradition and found some post cards to hand-deliver once we get back home.
We finished our day with an outstanding Zodiac ride along the coast of Floreana Island, enjoying a great sunset with sea lions and blue footed boobies on the rocks.
