Española Island

It is going to be a special day; that is what I said early in the morning when I first looked out my window. Now, I am just about to go to bed, it is late, and I can really confirm that was indeed a terrific one!

It was fun to spent time getting to know our guests; today it was their first full day on board the Polaris and they all are looking for the same goal: to learn and to have fun!  spañola was the perfect combination of both; it was great to learn from the naturalists the strategies for survival used by most of the animals that, five million years ago, arrived at this complex ecosystem. The landscapes provided by the massive cliffs along the coastline of the island were fully scanned with binoculars and camera lenses, trying to capture the essence of the area.

Large colonies of sea birds were observed landing and taking off from the cliffs; a view point located half way on the trail gave us the impressive view of a famous geological formation known as the “blow hole.” Its deafening sound similar to a thunder was carried far by the strong winds blowing up the cliff.

It was a very exhilarating morning, but the afternoon was not any less interesting.   Gardner Bay is one of those beaches that you dream to visit at least once in your lifetime. A long white sandy beach bathed by turquoise waters where sea lions rest peacefully: what part of this does not seem like a dream?

A nice combination of activities gave us the chance to explore fully the diversity of this part of the island. Snorkelling with sea lions, kayaking with sea turtles popping their heads everywhere, the chance to observe the marine world from our glass bottom boat; At this point, I don’t need to say more, you probably got the picture-- it was indeed a terrific day!