Day 5: Galápagos Islands - Española Island (Gardner Bay, Islote Osborn & Punta Suarez) Tuesday, October 30
Wet landing at Gardner Bay, Española Island. This morning we enjoyed a beach walk, and a ride around Gardner and Osborn islets. Española is the southernmost island in the Galápagos. It is best known as the nesting place of the rare Waved Albatross. Most of the world's population of these majestic birds nest here.
Gardner Bay, on the northeastern tip of the island, has a beautiful white-sand beach where sea lions like to sun themselves. We had an opportunity for swimming and snorkeling. Tried to spot marine species like the king angelfish, creole fish, damsel fish, parrot fish, manta rays, and white-tipped reef sharks.
Afternoon field trip to Punta Suarez on the western end of Española Island. It is home to the Galapagos Hawk and is also the best place to see the red-form of the marine iguana. Looked for mockingbirds, finches, and boobies. Learn about the lava terrain and cross the inactive lava fields. Also saw the famous blowhole from 100 foot cliff and saw water shoot 50-70 feet into the air.
Española Island blowhole images.
Photo 1. Omar provided a wall chart of the plans for the days we were there.
Photo 2. Each morning in our eating area, he had a timetable for us to get ready for the day’s adventures.
Photo 3. Since we had to anchor away from shore, the Zodiac launch was from the rear of the boat.
Click here for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/2012GIMPDay5Of17
Wet landing at Gardner Bay, Española Island. This morning we enjoyed a beach walk, and a ride around Gardner and Osborn islets. Española is the southernmost island in the Galápagos. It is best known as the nesting place of the rare Waved Albatross. Most of the world's population of these majestic birds nest here.
Gardner Bay, on the northeastern tip of the island, has a beautiful white-sand beach where sea lions like to sun themselves. We had an opportunity for swimming and snorkeling. Tried to spot marine species like the king angelfish, creole fish, damsel fish, parrot fish, manta rays, and white-tipped reef sharks.
Afternoon field trip to Punta Suarez on the western end of Española Island. It is home to the Galapagos Hawk and is also the best place to see the red-form of the marine iguana. Looked for mockingbirds, finches, and boobies. Learn about the lava terrain and cross the inactive lava fields. Also saw the famous blowhole from 100 foot cliff and saw water shoot 50-70 feet into the air.
Española Island blowhole images.
Photo 1. Omar provided a wall chart of the plans for the days we were there.
Photo 2. Each morning in our eating area, he had a timetable for us to get ready for the day’s adventures.
Photo 3. Since we had to anchor away from shore, the Zodiac launch was from the rear of the boat.
Click here for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/2012GIMPDay5Of17
