Today was the first full day of activities onboard the National Geographic Endeavour around the Galapagos Islands. Today we visited the island of Española, which is by far the oldest island in the archipelago. It was formed about four million years ago, and during its journey, the waves and wind have been eroding the land so much that most of the southern part of the island has high cliffs. This island is the home of many different species of marine animals and wonderful landscapes.
During the morning we visited Gardner Bay. This place has been going through a transformation, from cinder cones to a sandy bottom bay and coral-formed beach. Today we had our first deep water snorkel opportunity next to an islet called Gardner. Here, our guests enjoyed some time with tons of tropical fish and the always playful baby sea lions. We also visited a beach in the bay where we snorkeled in a calm place with some more baby sea lions and turtles.
During the afternoon, our ship moved to the opposite site of the island, Punta Suarez. This place is located on the western part of Española, where the water currents have been shaping the cliffs of the island to become nesting grounds for many sea birds species. We went on a hike on the rocky terrain in search for blue footed boobies, Nazca boobies, gulls and more species. We had the chance to observe them all in their natural environment and so ecologically naïve.
Later, when the sun hid behind the horizon, we made our way back home to continue with our journey around the famous Galapagos Islands.
