Pirate Legends

Floreana Island has a history as wild as its landscapes. Pirates first used it as a hideout as early as the 1500s, making the island their stronghold in the Galapagos. During the 16th and 17th centuries, English pirates lurked here, using Floreana to ambush Spanish treasure ships passing through South American waters. In the highlands, they found shelter in caves next to the island’s only freshwater source, with a perfect view of the sea below. While exploring, you can still find remnants of their stay scattered around the island.

We didn’t find any pirate relics ourselves, but we did stop by the island’s legendary post office: a simple wooden barrel where travelers leave letters and postcards. The next visitor headed near your address picks it up and delivers it personally - a quirky tradition that’s kept alive to this day!

If I were a pirate, Floreana would be my first choice for a hideout. This island is stunning, with a string of unique beaches - white, red, and even green sands - and wildlife at every turn. Today, we swam with turtles, sea turtles, and even Galapagos penguins for the first time!

The day was full of adventure from start to finish: morning kayaking, deep-water snorkeling over thousands of colorful fish around Isla Campeón, and one beautiful beach after another. Floreana truly has it all!Read more