We began our day with an amazing early morning walk at Punta Cormorant. A group of sea lions welcomed us on the olivine beach, allowing us a great opportunity to take pictures of them. As soon as we approached the lagoon, we saw many Caribbean flamingos, Phoenicopterus ruber. These stunning birds undertake unseasonal migrations from lagoon to lagoon according to local food abundance. There are approximately five hundred individuals within the archipelago, and we had the chance to see a few of them.
Later on, we went for a Zodiac ride around Champion Islet looking for the endemic Floreana mockingbird. Around the islet we also spotted swallowed-tailed gulls, brown noddies and Nazca boobies. We learned about the importance of the shore zone, which serves as a nesting area for sea birds. Getting so close to the islet also gave us the chance to admire its vegetation, where the Opuntia megasperma var. megasperma is found in great abundance. This type of cactus is an important source of food, water, and shade for the wildlife of Galapagos. Of course, swimming around the islet with sea lions was the highlight of the day.
During the afternoon, the National Geographic Endeavour navigated towards the Post Office Bay. We began our afternoon activities with a kayaking excursion around a red and white mangrove area, and our sea lion friends followed us the entire time. The waters were calm and the activity was very relaxing. Afterwards, we end the day by delivering some postcards to the post office barrel, and taking some that had been left by previous visitors to this site, to hand deliver them to their destinations, as they did in the old times.
Another day in paradise ends, with many more exceptional memories to share.
