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More Highlights of The
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
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Galapagos Island Slide Show 1
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| Santa Fe Island (also called
Barrington) - This island is great for watching and swimming with sea
lions. One cautionary note here. When swimming with the sea
lions, always be aware of your surroundings while in the water. Sea
lions are playful animals. They will swim up and around you.
As you marvel at how close they come to you, especially if they are young
cubs, mom and dad are not usually to far off. With all the noise
that youngsters make, parents some times come charging to see what is
going on.
As sea lions are territorial by nature, you may be viewed as an intruder trying to take over their territory and they will, like most other prey, chase you away. In such cases it is best to make a steady retreat to safer ground. |
| South Plaza Island - It is unavoidable as you travel the Galapagos Islands not to find sea lions. This island is no different. There are also many land iguana to observe. You may even see one munching on a cactus leaf. Move slowly, as iguana tend to be more cautious while eating and any disturbance may end their meal. An uphill hike leads to the cliffs on the other side of the island, providing an amazing view of the sea below an whirling bird life in the air above. |
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Santiago Island (also call
James Island) - There are four places to land on the island and
depending upon the time, you may get to see all four.
Sullivan Bay - Landing on this part of the island is a little tricky. Climbing out of the panga you will be you will cross jagged lava rock. Once in land, the walking is easier. This part of the island shows the remains of recent lava flow and virtually nothing else. Nearly the entire area is covered with the black swirly rock that gives the impression, from a distance of mud. Arriving in the early afternoon, the lava rock is hot . As we explored this part of the island, we found a lava cave. Several in the group were able to squeeze between the layers of the rock. Puerto Egas - This part of the island offers a hike up to an old salt mine. Though not particularly breathtaking, this walk at least provides the opportunity to stretch your legs after being boat bound. What is particularly breathtaking is the short walk to the seal's grotto. Swimming and snorkeling with the seal's is a must, time permitting. The grotto has two small, deep pools of crystal clear water. A submerged volcanic bridge separates these tranquil pools from the sea beyond. Buccaneers Cove - lies just north of Puerto Egas. Evidence of use by 18th and 19th century pirates, sailors and whalers is evident. The superb landscape is made all the more dramatic by the sea birds circling and perched on the cliffs. Espumuilla Beach - This is unique for its coffee coloured sand. Take a short walk inland to a brackish lagoon where you can occasionally glimpse flocks of graceful flamingos. |
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Bartolome Island (also
called Bartholomew Island) - This island has two main areas of
interest. Upon arrival on Bartolome, you can enjoy
the semi tranquil beach. There
is great snorkeling among the submerged volcanic rock and around the base
of the tower. A short hike to the beach on the other side of is well
worth the minimal effort. There, sharks are often seen in the
shallow water. Marine turtles can also be seen, depending upon the
time of year you are there.
A hike to the summit of the island provides a clearer perspective of the islands powerful volcanic origins. The panorama from the summit, especially as the sun begins to set, is probably one of the best in the islands. The view of the double sided beaches of Bartolome are directly below, a volcanic tower rising out of the water beside it, and Santiago Island can be seen in the distance. |
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| Floreana Island (also called Charles Island) - This island has an interesting history that has since evolved into legend. A baroness and her two lovers, a German doctor and his mistress, a German couple and their young son, all came to settle on this island. Their dalliances and some disastrous events are shrouded in mystery. John Treherne wrote of these people in "The Galapagos Affair". The German family, "the Rittmers" still live on the Island in the small community of Puerto Velasco Ibarra. They gladly welcome visitors and have small rooms for rent and a small gift shop for those seeking souvenirs. Behind the gift shop, they also house some of the largest tortoises in the Galapagos Islands. This is probably the only area in the Islands where guests and visitors can touch the animals. |
| North Seymour Island - Traveling throughout the Galapagos gives one an appreciation for the many and varied birds that inhabit the islands. North Seymour is probably the most exciting island for photography. Bird life is abundant and exceptionally close to the trail. Masked and blue footed boobies seem to be everywhere. Nesting pairs and chicks seem to walk the pathway with you and sometimes get under foot. Watch your step. In addition to the boobies, one can also see frigate birds. Males expand the red sack at the base of their throat and perch atop a bush with their wings fully extended. Interested females circle overhead and if so inclined, may join the male on the bush. |
| Post
Office Bay - After your visit to Puerto
Velasco Ibarra, you will travel around the island to this small bay which
has an older history but far less mystery. In the 18th century a
wooden barrel was planted here to be used as a post office. Passing
ships would stop to collect any mail destined for their future ports of
call.
Today, the box is still used, but mainly by tourists. who may who may leave mail and/or retrieve letters and mail them when they return to their respective countries. A short hike up past the post barrel leads you to an interesting lava cave. If you are interested in exploring, bring a flashlight. You can descend about 80 meters into the cave to the point, depending upon the tide, of reaching the sea. |
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| Devil's Crown - is another part of Floreana Island that lies around the point from Point Cormorant, one of the loveliest sites on Florenna Island, with it's plant life and flamingo lagoon it give Point Cormorant a special feeling. Devil's Crown, on the other hand, is the broken remains of a partially submerged volcanic cone that gives this area its name. There is no place to disembark here, Snorkeling from the boat is not only possible but definitely worthwhile. The waters are home to a multitude of colourful fish, sea lions and a few other surprises. Though protection from the open sea is provided by the "crown", the water here is still a bit rough and the currents strong. This makes for a fun swim. |
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Galapagos Islands
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Galapagos Island Slide Show 1
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