This morning I am ready to disembark on the nice beach of Espumilla to have a photography session with some of our guests. To take pictures in Galapagos is adventurous and such a great experience; it has the advantage of having all the animals so close to us, fearless, posing for us.
We landed on the beach and found a large flock of blue-footed boobies diving like torpedoes in the turquoise blue water of the bay. Along the beach some sea turtle tracks were visible, and some Galapagos hawks were resting on the top of the white mangroves. We had a wonderful walk through the interior of the island. The vegetation was very dry but the landscape was incredible. Mockingbirds and finches were flying everywhere. After the walk we came back to the ship and had breakfast.
Later some of our travelers went to kayak along the coast of Buccaneer Cove. This place was visited by Darwin in 1835, when he camped here for nine days collecting specimens that later helped him conceive his ideas about evolution. Some others had the experience of the glass bottom boat to observe the wonderful marine ecosystems that the Galapagos offers, such as white-tipped reef sharks, sea urchins, sea stars, and multi-colored fish.
At 11:00 a.m. we jumped into the water for snorkeling. Some sea lions were there to play with us, providing to our guests one of the most wonderful experiences.
After lunch we motored to Puerto Egas on Santiago Island. Many years ago this island was invaded by invasive species like goats and donkeys. Thanks to the efforts of conservation we have eradicated them from the island. Our walk was full of surprises like finding a colony of fur sea lions playing in collapsed lava tunnels. Some migratory birds were found feeding on microscopic organisms at the intertidal zone.
On our way back to the ship a beautiful sunset reminded us that the days are short and that we should cherish every minute.
