We started our day early with a pre-breakfast hike at Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island. There we learned about the different materials that make up sand, organic and inorganic. During our walk, we passed by a brackish lagoon where we spotted several shore birds including colorful great flamingoes.
On the leeward side of the point, we found a number of sea turtle tracks recently made by females coming ashore to lay their eggs. Floreana is also very interesting for its unique flora. We spotted the Floreana daisy and one species of scalesia.
Later on, we visited a small island called Champion for Zodiac rides and snorkeling. During the Zodiac ride, we had the opportunity to see lots of sea birds such as Galapagos shearwaters, Nazca boobies, red-billed tropic birds, and the rare Floreana mockingbird hopping on the pads of a prickly pear cacti forest.
Snorkeling was amazing. In the water we were surrounded by hundreds of colorful tropical fish such as king angel fishes, creoles fishes, pelican barracudas, sergeant mayors, parrot fish and more! Also we got the chance to swim with the playful sea lions that live in large numbers on Champion.
In the afternoon, we kayaked around the Loberia, where we spotted several species of egrets, pelican, and even Galapagos penguins. We had a great time. Later on, we visited Post Office Bay, a place famous for its history. In the 19th century, whalers visited Floreana to resupply and collect tortoises for food. They used an old wooden barrel and the honor system to send letters to friends and family back in Europe.
At the end of the afternoon, we took our Zodiacs to explore the surroundings and look for more sea birds. It was another great day in paradise.
