From the National Geographic Endeavour in Galápagos, 2/1/2010, National Geographic Endeavour

Floreana

Floreana Island is not only one of the oldest islands of the archipelago, but it was the first island to be inhabited, by pirates, Norwegians, Ecuadoreans and Germans that were looking for a quiet place to live.

In the morning we had an early outing to visit Post Office Bay, a historical place that was used by the whalers as a postal service in order to communicate with their families. Letters left behind were taken to be delivered by hand by the whalers who knew about this postal system.

So keeping that tradition, we also took some postcards with us to see how long it will take them to get to their final destination. As we departed Post Office Bay to return to the National Geographic Endeavour we had the amazing surprise to see orcas. From the ship we could see a mother and her young calf and from the zodiacs we could see a male orca.

After this incredible gift, the National Geographic Endeavour sailed to Champion, a satellite islet off the coast of Floreana. Here we had many water activities, like snorkeling with tropical fish, sea turtles and sea lions. For those of us who did not snorkel, we had the option to go on the glass bottom boat and see most of the tropical fish that travel along these waters. Last but not least, after the snorkeling we went for a Zodiac ride along the coast of Champion in order to look for the elusive Floreana Mockingbird that is only found here.

In the afternoon we had a wet landing on a green beach that is made of olivine crystals and many other minerals. The walk here was easy and peaceful, since the landscape of the island invites one to meditate and enjoy nature. Here we saw the Great flamingoes nesting on a small islet inside the lagoon, white cheek pintail ducks, common stilts and many whimbrels that eat around the lagoon.

At the end of the trail, however, the view changed completely to an incredible white beach that is covered with sand that is so fine that it is known as the flour beach and it is also preferred by the Green back sea turtle as a nesting site and resting spot for tired females.

With the enchanting view of the marine turtles along the coastline, waiting for sunset until coming to land to lay their eggs, we walked back to the green beach to embark on the Zodiacs and head back to the National Geographic Endeavour.