Galápagos - Day Two

This morning we had breakfast at 7 and prepared for our first visit to one of the preservation islands. The boat had traveled about 6 hours during the night so we would be close to the South Plazas Island to start our day.

We had a dry landing (a pier was available so we didn't have to wade water).

The biggest surprise was seeing that the islands are mainly desert. I had expected a more lush and green vegetation like palm trees. 

There was a group of people on the island doing a reforestation project. They were planting young cactus as over the past few years many of the older cactus had died and the iguanas were eating the young ones before they could mature enough to survive. This was causing an imbalance in the eco system.

We could immediately see the abundance of wildlife on the island. There are 4 different species of iguanas on the islands. This is the Galápagos Land Iguana.

A pelican flying over the water.

Sea lions

Warbler

The landscape is definitely dessert looking.

An iguana eating cactus.

Waved albatrosses with their young one. They mate for life and only lay one egg at a time.

The black Marine Iguana 

This shot shows 4 different things. The cactus in the middle, the land iguana on the left of the cactus base, the marine iguana kind of 6 o'clock to the large iguana, and the waved albatrosses on the right of the cactus (see the following pictures).

One of the most anticipated sightings is of a Blue-Footed Booby bird.

The lava coastline reminded me of Hawaii.

Dinner - fresh grouper

After our hike we went back to the boat and moved to off the coast of Santa Fe Island. A few of us took kayaks and went around the lagoon after lunch. It was so peaceful out on the water.

Some then opted to go snorkeling and the rest of us took a zodiac ride around the coastline to see the wildlife. We saw some seal ions, sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles in the water and birds along the coast. This is a picture of a pelican flying over the water and the bluish tint on the bottom was the waster reflection. My favorite picture so far.

The gang getting ready to go snorkeling.

Sea lions on the beach.

Another Blue-Footed Booby 

A hawk watching an iguana. 

The snorkeling group returning to the boat.

 

We took another zodiac ride around the coast and spotted these hawks eating something. 

We then has a wet landing on the beach with the sea lions and took a hike on the island.

We saw some Santa Fe Iguanas that are specific to the Santa Fe Island.

A Galápagos Dove. Notice the blue ring around the eye and the red feet.

Another fantastic day in beautiful surroundings.

Galápagos - Day One

Monday - June 26

Today was mostly a travel day to get from Quito to the Galápagos Islands. We landed on San Cristobal Island and proceeded to the pier to go out to our boat. 

The first thing we saw was sea lions and  bright red crabs.

Our home for the next 4 days and 3 nights is the Archipell. It is a catamaran with cabins on the main deck along with the dining table, bar, and gathering place.

We had to board the Zodiac to be transported out to the boat.

Once on board we had an orientation briefing and a safety drill.

My room had one big bed and the bathroom. I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the bathroom.

After we got settled in, we took the Zodiacs and went back into town to visit an Archeological and History orientation center to learn about the development of the islands and the various species of animals. We also learned about the history of man coming to the islands and the different impacts it has had and continues to have on the delicate ecological balance of the islands.

We then returned to the boat for our dinner and to discuss the planned activities for the next day.

There was a beautiful sunset to end this wonderful day.