We are finishing the year of 2014, and in Galapagos the season is changing from the dry cool, to the warm wet season. This means that the temperature is rising in the ocean, and the tropical sun heats the surface water, causing a lot of evaporation, and this transforms into heavy pouring showers all over the archipelago. The currently dry landscapes in Galapagos are going to be transformed into green lash vegetation. 

These two seasons are very important for Galapagos’ flora and fauna. The dry season is better for sea animals, because the cooler water causes an amazing increase in the amount of nutrients available, which transforms into green algae.  This food source is the base of the food chain, and boobies, sea lions, pelicans, penguins, cormorants and many other species take good advantage of the abundance of fish to breed. 

On the contrary, the warm wet season is good for terrestrial species, such as finches, mocking birds, doves, and all reptiles in Galapagos. Land birds are just starting to prepare for breeding, and all of the Galapagos beaches are being visited by nesting sea turtles. It is nice to be in Galapagos during this time of the year, right when the two seasons are changing. 

In a pre-breakfast activity, we decided to go all the way to the top of Bartolome Island. From the top we enjoyed seeing amazing landscapes, parasitic cones, and the famous Pinnacle Rock, which is the remains of a tuff cone. Later in the morning, we disembarked at two beaches for water activities. These activities were all very successful, as our guests observed penguins, rays, white-tipped reef sharks and lots of fish. 

For the afternoon’s program, we sailed for about two hours toward Rabida Island. As soon as we dropped anchor, we went out for kayaking and deep water snorkeling, which both took place in the same location. Everyone had an amazing time playing with Galapagos sea lions—these marine mammals are for sure the great Galapagos entertainers. We even had a chance to walk along a read beach to observe and learn about these great endemic marine mammals. 

It is amazing how much you can see in a single day in Galapagos.