The Galápagos! Days 1&2.

Day 1

We flew into The Galápagos on Baltra island. A small islet with nothing much but and airstrip and a shack for an airport.

Galápagos Aeropuerto

This place is absolutely magical. Normally when you go to places are promised a sighting of some exotic creature, you can be sure you need to look hard to spot a glimpse – In the Galápagos no. Before we left the shore to get on our boat we saw 3 sea lions lazing on a boat, red crabs and a marine iguana. And we weren’t even trying.

The best way to describe our journey around this archipelago is via pictures.
Motoring along we had Great Frigates hovering above us.
Our first stop was Bahia Ballena (whale bay) on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island. This is where we had our first snorkel and we were joined by a sea lion who swam or rather played with us in the water. There were many squeals coming from the little people’s snorkels.
Sea lion

On the shore there were Sally Lightfoot Crabs and a Marine Iguana.

Day 2

Had motored all night to the southern end of Isabela Island – the largest in the Galápagos – and after breakfast set off for the day. On our dinghy ride to shore we came across the Galápagos Penguin.

On arriving on the shore we saw lava fields, Marine Iguanas and lots of baby ones

We saw 23 reef sharks in a lagoon and Simon helped put a sea turtle back in the water that had been caught on the lava after the tide went out.

Heading into the town of Puerto Villamil we saw many sea lions playing around on the shore

On the drive to Sierra Negra Volcán we saw a few birds. the Galápagos Hawk, Owl and Vermillion Fly Catcher.

We climbed to the top of the Sierra Negra Volcano to see the second largest Caldera in the world. It was slightly drizzly and the clouds were in and our guides said we were unlikely to see anything. As luck would have it the sky cleared just near the top and this is what we saw. 10km in diameter!

Then it was off to see the Tortugas, at the Tortoise breeding centre, including one that is just 10 days old.

From the tortoise breeding centre we walked about the corner to find Greater Flamingoes

What a very busy first 2 days!

 

9 thoughts on “The Galápagos! Days 1&2.

  1. How devine! I’ve actually always wanted to see flamingoes in the wild – it’s not just a lady gaga thing. Enjoy – I’m really enjoying your blog.

  2. Wow, I’m blown away by those gorgeous animals. I’m definitely adding the Galapagos as a place to visit on my ‘bucket list’.

    Abi, thank you for your wonderful artwork. We have it hanging in the classroom. Unfortunately all the rocky road has been eaten. Yum!

  3. Imagine the other humans that turtle you helped may have met. When he was as big as the hatchling in the lower photo, he may have been witness to the earliest tall ships that visted the islands…. What a great experience. Keep the photos coming, Nat. They’re great!

  4. Hey guys
    I hope your having a GREAT time!!! I’m so jealous!!
    The turtles are adorable

  5. it is great to see so many wonderful animals
    from izzy

    Thanks the the birthday message for Luke, the party went well, he was surprised and happy to spend some time with his brothers, we had lunch and swim at Noosa yesterday for his actual birthday. The pictures are great, looks like you are having a wonderful time!
    Tania

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