We began our day with a very early morning walk on Espumilla Beach. Loads of boobies and a bunch of hawks showed up to welcome us to this big island with very rocky ecosystems. After breakfast we snorkeled with reef fish and a few sea lion pups; after that it was time for our lovely Galapagos Lunch. In the afternoon we visited Puerto Egas, where we enjoyed our last chance to hang out with sea lions and iguanas on this trip.
2/17/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Floreana Island
The sun had barely risen when we anchored in Punta Cormorant, right next to the striking geological formation of Devil's Crown. Our early morning hike began with playful sea lions greeting us at the shore. This site is famous for its large brackish lagoon, home to many flamingos. We were lucky to spot a few, as they frequently move around the archipelago, and it’s never certain where they’ll be. The island’s landscape was transforming into a lush paradise, with rain bringing life to the dormant palo santo trees. The dry desert scenery was gradually being replaced by vibrant greenery. Punta Cormorant is also known for being a sea turtle nesting site, and we saw fresh tracks of turtles that had nested the night before. We snorkeled around Champion Islet, enjoying the vibrant marine life, including plenty of fish and sharks. The calm waters and excellent visibility made for an unforgettable experience. In the afternoon, we kayaked in a tranquil protected area surrounded by sea turtles and sea lions. Our next stop was the famous Post Office Barrel on Floreana Island, where we left postcards and searched for others to hand deliver back home. As the day ended, Floreana gifted us a stunning sunset to cap off our adventure.
