The next morning, we were in Gardner Bay - a beautiful white sand beach. The first ones we spotted were Espanola mockingbirds, a species endemic to the island, digging for food and water in the sand. Galapagos mockingbirds - Gardner Bay (Marie Bunyi)
An oystercatcher also looking for food. Oystercatcher - Gardner Bay (Marie Bunyi)
We also had our luck to see this swimming marine iguana! An extraordinary sight to see. Swimming marine iguana - Gardner Bay (Marie Bunyi)
And of course, a sea lion striking a pose for pictures. Gardner Bay (Marie Bunyi)
Gardner Bay is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling with playful sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, and colored fish. We also spotted colorful Sally lightfoot crabs.
In the afternoon, we landed in Punta Suarez, my favorite part of our cruise. Why? Because our eyes were full as we got to see a variety of wildlife in this part of Espanola Island: quite a big number of marine iguanas as well as different kinds of birds, and sea lions still. Probably because it is one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos. Marine iguanas! - Punta Suarez (Marie Bunyi)
A quick fact: Male marine iguanas are usually green and red in color during mating season, thus, they are also called "Christmas iguanas", and they can only be seen in Espanola Island. Well, first off, marine iguanas are endemic to the Galapagos Islands. A male marine iguana also called Christmas iguana! - Punta Suarez (Marie Bunyi)
And these ones right here are lava lizards. Lava lizard - Punta Suarez (Marie Bunyi)
We also saw here a nesting place for waved albatross, nazca and blue-footed boobies. Waved albatross is considered the largest bird in the Galapagos, and their colony can only be found on Espanola Island. A baby waved albatros - Punta Suarez (Marie Bunyi) A nazca booby with her egg - Punta Suarez (Marie Bunyi)
We also spotted a brown pelican at the cliff and a Galapagos dove. Brown pelican - Punta Suarez (Marie Bunyi) Galapagos dove - Punta Suarez (Marie Bunyi)
The trail was a tough one on slippery rocks, but it was well worth the effort in the end. We could spend hours just sitting and watching all the birds flying around us. It is one of the most unique experiences in the world, and the sight was so overwhelming. Photos cannot justify how magnificent it was to see these different kinds of native birds flying around you.
The pre-planning and execution of the plan was excellent. They were even able to help get glasses returned when a member or our party left them in a hotel.
Roger
3 weeks ago
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!
Sandi T
1 month ago
Erin was patient, thorough, responsive, knowledgeable.
Karen Bukolt
1 month ago
Erin was responsive, knowledgeable, helpful, and ran through a few different choices with us. She got us a fabulous price on a trip, and made everything easy to do. And QUICK!!
Tina
1 month ago
From the initial meeting and planning process with our trip planner Jess, through to the finalizing of our itinerary, trip details and questions, I was very impressed with the professionalism, thoroughness, organization and attention to details. I would highly recommend Adventure Life to anyone looking to plan a unique travelling experience, knowing that the expertise and experience provided will result in a seamless trip of a lifetime.
