The day started out very gray and very, very windy. We were called to breakfast at 7 am then got on the panga to have some beach time. Didn’t swim, water was chilly and the wind was brisk.
We’re on Espanola Island, and the beach we visited is in Gardner Bay. The beach is one of the most spectacular beaches in the archipelago, a curling strip of soft white, coral sand lapped by a dazzingly azure sea.
We wandered along the beach and saw lots of dead things including a whale skeleton. We saw a dead snake, several dead lizards, a dead star fish and a dead sea lion. We saw the Galapagos mockingbird, a Galapagos finch and lots of red and black crabs that are called Sally Lightfoot crabs. These crabs are found in intertidal areas, particularly rocky shorelines. They follow the movements of the tide, scavenging for scraps and spooning up bits of algae on specially designed pinchers. They are absolutely beautiful too.
We went back to the boat, got a few minutes to get our wetsuits on, and we went snorkeling. It was in much deeper water this time, and we saw a lot more fish. The sea lions were whipping around us as we snorkeled. They got so close.
We then attempted to chase some dolphins but were unsuccessful so we returned to the boat. It was about 11:30 am so we had a half-hour or so before lunch so we secured a spot on the front of the boat and rested. We did see a pod of four dolphins for a while swimming in front of the boat and a turtle. I suspect it was a green turtle. The islands are the only place where green turtles mate.
After lunch, we had about two hours free time. I slept, Beth watched the waves crashing on the shoreline.
At 2:30 pm, the sun arrived, and we took off for a hike on the island. We clambered over rocks for three hours but here’s what we saw: a sea lion with her pup suckling (the baby was just a few days old), marine iguanas (they call them Christmas iguanas because they are green and red), lava lizards, nesting albatrosses, a nesting blue-footed boobie with two chicks.
We got to witness a fight between some alpha sea lions, and we weren’t but about 20 feet from them. We also got to watch two albatross do their mating ritual, which was kind of neat.
The end of the trail featured a blow hole.
It’s nesting season and mating season so we saw some chicks (rather large, funny-looking chicks) and lots of baby sea lions.
On the way back, we spotted a Galapagos dove.
I did not take my camera because the wind was driving the waves – they were pretty good swales on the sea – and I didn’t think it was wise to take my camera since I don’t have a waterproof bag. But I got some photos on my phone, as did Beth. They are not the quality I expect but at least it’s a record of what we saw – and you can see too!
Everyone was exhausted when we returned to the boat but spirits were high. They clouds moved in again, and it looks like rain but I think that’s the rhythm here as they are nearing their “rainy” season.
There is a briefing then supper. We’re going to get a glass of wine and reward/congratulate ourselves on another banner day. Oh, and take some Tylenol before bed!
Sea lions lounging on the beach.
The blow hole on Espanola Island.
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