Galapagos - Floreana Island

Day 2 of the boat trip was spent on Floreana Island. In the moring we had a wet landing at a volcanic beach, populated with the usual snoozing sea lions. We headed inland to a lagoon with Galapagos flamingoes. Many species in the Galapagos are named after the Galapagos because they are unique species to the islands, they have been isolated for so long that they have become different species. We then walked to another white sand beach, which is really beautiful with the contrasting black volcanic rocks, turquoise water, and turtles popping up for air every now and then. Next up that morning was some more snorkelling in deep water, where we mostly saw loads of fish plus some turtles.

In the afternoon we took the kayaks out in a beautiful sheltered part of the coast. In the shallower parts the water was crystal clear, so as I rowed around I had a good view of the turtles swimming about below. Out in the deeper areas I frequently saw larger turtles coming up for air, often right next to me. The ever present sea lions also came over to have a nose at times.

Then we went back onland to another volcanic beach to visit the barrel post box. In 1793 an old whisky barrel was used as a post box by passing sailors. Someone would leave their letter in the barrel, and if there were any letters addressed to the sailors onward destination, they would take them to be hand delivered. While the original barrel isn't there anymore, there is one still in use by tourists! People write their postcards and leave them in the barrel, hoping that another tourist from that area will come along and take them home with them to be delivered. I left a couple there myself, and took a card that was addressed to Lima, where I was headed after the Galapagos. Once we were done with our postcards, we visited a lava tunnel, which is essentially a huge cave that had once been filled with lava headed to the ocean. Once back on the boat, we had another amazing meal of fresh fish that the on board chef had bought fresh from passing fishermen. Every meal that he made was excellent, we were certainly spoiled on the boat!Baca lagi