tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51115769117903558592024-03-14T02:58:05.960-06:00Galapagos Ecotourism and Responsible Travel: The BlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-22706788636684174102016-03-21T11:25:00.001-06:002016-03-22T13:36:58.362-06:00Uganda Meets Galapagos and Conservation Results<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Anyone following my blog knows how much I love Galapagos: it is my home and my whole life is immersed in its culture. As a naturalist and guide for the Galapagos National Park Service, I am dedicated to preservation of our wonderful environment and to conserving our biodiversity and ecosystem. An important aspect of this is preservation, reuse and recycling of our natural resources. That's why I was really impressed to learn about how our local artists and artisans have started a trend and new movement to incorporate local recyclable materials into their final works of art.<br />
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I was a bit surprised, however, to learn that it was not a Galapagos native, but a Ugandan paper beadmaker who is at the forefront of this movement. In 2011, Sarah Akot visited the Galapagos Islands and left a creative legacy for local craftspeople.<br />
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As you might imagine, if you walk into a shop in Puerto Ayora, you will find beautiful glassware, beaded necklaces and earrings made by local artisans. But, what will probably surprise you is that all of it is fashioned from mounds of recycled paper and glass, collected from islanders and tourists alike.<br />
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And, this movement is thanks to Lindblad Expeditions and the Lindabad National Geographic Artisan Fund. As a highly-regarded and long-time Galapagos travel partner, Lindblad was well aware of the continuing problem we have on the islands with trash removal and recycling. After all, we are 600 miles from the mainland and our primary industry is tourism, meaning people using our resources and the waste products having no where to go. We have mandated recycling programs, of course, but sometimes that just isn't enough.<br />
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<figure class="inline-small inline" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 12px; max-width: 260px; position: relative;"><img alt="" src="http://a.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-small/inline/2014/07/3032652-inline-s-2-how-a-ugandan-refugee-helped-turn-trash-in-the-galapagos-into-art.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; height: auto; max-width: 260px; width: 260px;" /></figure><br />
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Historically, local artisans and craftspeople turned to mainland Ecuador for their tools and materials. That was expensive and didn't help our local environment or economy at all.<br />
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That's where the recycling project came in. Lindblad teamed with Paper to Pearls, a microenterprise project for disadvantaged women, and brought Sarah Akot, a Ugandan paper beadmaker, to the Galapagos. As the head of a women’s beading cooperative in a refugee camp, Akot had never left northern Uganda, much less traipsed across the seas to a chain of volcanic islands straddling the Equator. After she arrived, she called a friend to report that the ocean was not only bigger than Uganda, but Africa, too.</div>
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Once she arrived here, Akot went to work teaching the art of paper beadmaking and jewelry assembly to our local community artists. Although the charismatic Ugandan teacher spoke English, most of her students didn’t. So training manuals were created in Spanish. The Artisan Fund also provided bundles of paper--calendars, magazines, posters from Lindblad’s fleet of ships--for rolling the beads. Using paper, scissors, rulers and glue, Akot showed them how to turn the beads into an item of high-quality jewelry. By the end of the workshop, the students had a piece of handmade jewelry to take home. But more than that, they’d experienced a cross-cultural exchange spanning art, conservation, and commerce. On Akot’s last day, the students gave her gifts, and she danced to a CD of traditional northern Ugandan music.</div>
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They never saw their mentor again. In early 2013, Akot died of unknown causes in a hospital in Uganda. Yet, her legacy in Galapagos lives on. You can find recycled paper jewelry in nearly 60% of the shops on Santa Cruz and Isabela. More than a dozen local women are making an income selling their jewelry, including at two galleries devoted to recycled handcrafts and art on Lindblad’s ships. Last year the Endeavor, Islander and the Explorer generated $16,000 in sales of paper jewelry from travelers--a percentage of which is recycled into the Artisan Fund for artists.</div>
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The recycling project has also grown. Last year, renowned Hudson Valley glassblower John Gilvey taught islanders how to make objects using recycled glass, and New York artist Jennifer Rutheny did a series of metal jewelry workshops in the Galapagos. This is a photo of Sara Fiallos who is a premier artist now. Once she chooses the design and the colors, she rolls the cut paper triangles into beads, slathers them with varnish, and then hangs the jewelry on a wooden rod outside to dry.<br />
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This is just the beginning. But it's a wonderful start to preserving and saving our Galapagos environment. This post is based on a "<a href="http://www.fastcocreate.com/3032652/how-a-ugandan-refugee-helped-turn-trash-in-the-galapagos-into-art" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How a Ugandan Refugee Helped Turn Trash in the Galapagos Into Art</a>."<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1CzmIIIbJE/T_4SWZRBssI/AAAAAAAAAW8/UVHliiytQ40/s1600/April+30+South+Plazas+Island+8.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1CzmIIIbJE/T_4SWZRBssI/AAAAAAAAAW8/UVHliiytQ40/s200/April+30+South+Plazas+Island+8.JPG" width="200" /></a>Recently, a tourist was found attempting to smuggle four iguanas out of the Galapagos Islands in a suitcase. This situation was horrible and thankfully the man was stopped and the iguanas are safe. The story created outrage, but it also reminded me that iguanas are a unique and amazing species. While there are still iguanas throughout the Islands, they have become extinct on several islands and are on the endangered species list.<br />
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At first glimpse, you might find these reptiles to be a bit ugly, even repulsive and scary; you wouldn’t want to face down one of these in a dark alley! But, a second look will probably change your mind. In fact, at second blush, it seems that many of these lizards are smiling. Take a look at this one from Sante Fe Island, for example:<br />
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Land Iguanas</h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pyf6w2Qsrlc/T_XcuwPRP4I/AAAAAAAAAU0/fc9qtMkWst4/s1600/April+30+South+Plazas+Island+12.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pyf6w2Qsrlc/T_XcuwPRP4I/AAAAAAAAAU0/fc9qtMkWst4/s200/April+30+South+Plazas+Island+12.JPG" width="200" /></a>Land iguanas still can be found on Isabela, Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Seymour, South Plaza and Sante Fe Islands. The land iguana is a yellowish lizard and generally larger in size than the marine iguana. It has a very tough, leathery mouth; thus is it able to feed on the prickly pear cactus, its primary food source. The Galapagos land iguana grows to a length of three to five feet with a body weight of up to twenty-five pounds; size and weight are different on different islands. There is another separate species called a Pink Iguana located at Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoSvCt4tqu0/T_4SYM26uwI/AAAAAAAAAXE/TAnZFVnbvaQ/s1600/galapagos12+%25280001-52.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoSvCt4tqu0/T_4SYM26uwI/AAAAAAAAAXE/TAnZFVnbvaQ/s200/galapagos12+%25280001-52.jpg" width="200" /></a>Like marine iguanas, as discussed below, land iguanas are cold blooded. They just love basking in the equatorial sunshine and cooling down in the shade of a rock or burrow. Land and marine iguanas have similar mating and breeding habits as well. Land iguanas can live to be 60 years old.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjUgrxvhECA/T_4R5ElDS9I/AAAAAAAAAWg/UCyIy4mE9ZY/s1600/April+30+Sante+Fe+Island_1148.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjUgrxvhECA/T_4R5ElDS9I/AAAAAAAAAWg/UCyIy4mE9ZY/s200/April+30+Sante+Fe+Island_1148.jpg" width="200" /></a>There are no land iguanas on Santiago Island, mostly due to non-endemic predators, such as feral dogs and cats, as well as humans. <br />
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This is a tragedy, particularly when you consider that Charles Darwin's report that when he tried to pitch a tent on Santiago, he had a hard time finding enough space because the iguanas were so prolific. They are also extinct on Baltra and southern Isabela.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bGJ_UlZb_A/T_6il1e0fcI/AAAAAAAAAXc/XnHmz3qkoS8/s1600/pink+igauna.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bGJ_UlZb_A/T_6il1e0fcI/AAAAAAAAAXc/XnHmz3qkoS8/s200/pink+igauna.jpg" width="200" /></a>In 2009 the BBC News reported that the National Academy of Sciences was researching a unique species of pink iguana on Isabela at Wolf Volcano. There are fewer then 100 of this species of land iguana. They do not cross breed with the more familiar yellowish land iguanas and their crests and head shapes are different as well.<br />
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Marine Iguanas</h3>
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Don't Step on the Iguanas!<br />
Photograph by Cindy Procter-King</b></td></tr>
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Galapagos marine iguanas - like so much in our island paradise - are unlike any other creature on our planet. They are the only sea-going lizards anywhere in the world.This is true even though all iguana species are known to be good swimmers. Although the lizards from each island are distinguishable in color, size and features, they are all the same species. Their differences are, like so many things throughout the archipelago, natural evolutionary adaptations to their surroundings. The color differentiation provides the very best means of camouflage and protection.<br />
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Iguanas on every island are born black in color, and become more colorful as they get older. Actually, as is the case with many animals, the males develop colors to attract females, while the females tend to remain in shades of gray to black.<br />
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Here are a few examples:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r3QQnt1Y7D0/T_6kgWNWa-I/AAAAAAAAAYg/ZIBbI4kw-Lk/s1600/espanola+marine-iguana-espanola.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r3QQnt1Y7D0/T_6kgWNWa-I/AAAAAAAAAYg/ZIBbI4kw-Lk/s200/espanola+marine-iguana-espanola.jpg" width="200" /></a>This iguana is basking in the sun on Espanola Island. It is identifiable by its reddish hue. The red comes from the specific type of red seaweed that it ingests and that blooms only on Espanola. These are generally believed to be the most colorful of the marine iguanas.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Trc_SUQCN88/T_6k9CmXbwI/AAAAAAAAAaI/PXsyGypBlIk/s1600/santiago+marine+iguana+images.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Trc_SUQCN88/T_6k9CmXbwI/AAAAAAAAAaI/PXsyGypBlIk/s200/santiago+marine+iguana+images.jpg" width="200" /></a>These iguanas from Santiago are have different coloration. Often the Santiago iguanas appear to have a greenish tinge.<br />
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In addition to being distinguished by colors, male and female iguanas may be distinguished by their size. Generally, females are smaller than their male counterparts. It is the largest male iguanas that are the most sea-going.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sts1S_Dk_cQ/T_6k4L3pTQI/AAAAAAAAAZk/0KVQmO6-LUU/s1600/May+3+Espanola+Island+and+Suarez+Point+IMG_1471+%25282%2529.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sts1S_Dk_cQ/T_6k4L3pTQI/AAAAAAAAAZk/0KVQmO6-LUU/s200/May+3+Espanola+Island+and+Suarez+Point+IMG_1471+%25282%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a>Another amazing feature in marine iguanas is that when there is not much food around, they not only lose weight and become thinner, but also they get shorter in length. Then, when there is enough nourishment and they start eating again, they regrow in both length and weight. Part of their backbone shrinks. Adult iguanas can switch between growth and shrinkage repeatedly throughout their lifetime.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mbbt0y7Pjw8/T_6kyEt8u3I/AAAAAAAAAZE/3DFOWj06mgI/s1600/May+3+Espanola+Island+and+Suarez+Point+IMG_1465+%25282%2529.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mbbt0y7Pjw8/T_6kyEt8u3I/AAAAAAAAAZE/3DFOWj06mgI/s200/May+3+Espanola+Island+and+Suarez+Point+IMG_1465+%25282%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a>The Galapagos iguanas eat a strictly vegetarian diet. They eat seaweed and algae. Their food is as likely to come from the lichen growing on the rocky shore or a tidal pool as from the ocean itself. In the video you can see the iguanas skimming the rocks to eat the algae. Marine iguanas have a blunt nose, which allows them to scrape algae off the rocks with their sharp teeth. <br />
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Large male iguanas are very strong and can be as large as four feet long; half of this its tail. The large males have enough body strength to swim past the waves and dive underwater for food. Each dive usually lasts about 5-10 minutes, but the iguanas do have the capacity to be under water for as long as 45-60 minutes. They become more aerodynamic underwater and swim by moving their bodies and long flat tails from side to side, with their legs held to their sides. Also, marine iguanas have long, sharp claws which give them the ability to hold onto rocks along the shore without being pulled away by the waves.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-roEczOZ1qtg/T_6lpIy_STI/AAAAAAAAAaU/9DtsB3tR9sM/s1600/May+3+Espagnola+Suarez+Point+Blow+Hole+IMG_1569+%25282%2529.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-roEczOZ1qtg/T_6lpIy_STI/AAAAAAAAAaU/9DtsB3tR9sM/s200/May+3+Espagnola+Suarez+Point+Blow+Hole+IMG_1569+%25282%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a>Marine iguanas, like other reptiles, are cold blooded, meaning that they take on the temperature of their surroundings, unlike humans and other mammals with self-regulating constant body temperatures. Cold blooded creatures become hot in a hot environment and cold in a cold one. Thus, when swimming in the Pacific Ocean with its cold currents, the iguanas become cold. Their blood moves away from the surface to preserve heat and their heart rate slows. <br />
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These animals have had to find other natural adaptations to regulate their body temperatures. What they have done is become sun bathers! At any time on any of the islands, you might find literally hundreds of iguanas soaking up the rays in order to increase their metabolism.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HAG6M8-05iU/T_6kDwopPqI/AAAAAAAAAXk/obuLsBKJGaM/s1600/5140206-iguana_close_up-0.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HAG6M8-05iU/T_6kDwopPqI/AAAAAAAAAXk/obuLsBKJGaM/s200/5140206-iguana_close_up-0.jpg" width="134" /></a>This adaptation is very refined. The iguanas lie on top of each other to absorb and maintain the heat level. They lie perpendicular to the direction of the sun to maximize the amount of sun that falls on their skin. They are able to expand their rib cages to increase surface area for absorbing the sun and may even darken their skin, as dark absorbs whereas lighter tones reflect the heat. If an iguana gets overheated, it just slithers back into the ocean or under a bush or into a burrow and turns its body parallel to the sun. <br />
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The fact that dark absorbs and retains heat also explains why the iguanas are usually found basking on black volcanic rocks. During cooler times, the iguanas huddle in masses to retain heat. Too, sometimes you will find the iguanas on a sandy beach or in the mangrove trees, depending on the island on which they live.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8631o1M9Tik/T_6tuWatNdI/AAAAAAAAAag/nZ-ykPELTSY/s1600/May+3+Espagnola+Suarez+Point+IMG_1530+(3).JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8631o1M9Tik/T_6tuWatNdI/AAAAAAAAAag/nZ-ykPELTSY/s200/May+3+Espagnola+Suarez+Point+IMG_1530+(3).JPG" width="200" /></a>A really intriguing feature about marine iguanas is that sometimes they look as though their heads are lighter in color than their bodies – sometimes they look white or even as though they are wearing a wig. This is not coloration at all, but the result of their desalination process and is a crust of salt on the iguana’s head. When diving in the ocean, the iguanas inevitably swallow salt water, but they cannot digest this water. So, they have developed special glands between their eyes and nostrils that collect and remove the salt. They shoot it out in a spray – like sneezing (this can be seen clearly in the video). Sometimes – in fact, often – the spray lands right back on the iguana’s own head covering him in a white mist. This is just another example of an adaption that has evolved to enable these descendants of terrestrial ancestors to live in salt water.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Trc_SUQCN88/T_6k9CmXbwI/AAAAAAAAAaI/PXsyGypBlIk/s1600/santiago+marine+iguana+images.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Trc_SUQCN88/T_6k9CmXbwI/AAAAAAAAAaI/PXsyGypBlIk/s200/santiago+marine+iguana+images.jpg" width="200" /></a>Like many other species, marine iguanas live in large colonies and the males become territorial and combative during breeding season in February and March. The males who are vying for territory and mating privileges engage in very intense combat, with head butting, pushing, shoving and locking of the crests on top of their heads. The fighting can last up to five hours. For all this intensity, the loser leaves without injury and the victor gets the girl! Immediately thereafter, she leaves.<br />
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After a five-week gestation period, she lays her eggs in a soft sandy nest that she has dug and the babies are born in May and June. Baby iguanas are tiny, and weigh just 1 ½ to 2 ½ ounces and are only about 6 inches long. It takes a hatchling about two years to develop the strength to swim.<br />
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Iguanas are a protected species in the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Marine Iguana is considered vulnerable in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Endangered Species. The Galapagos National Park Service has created artificial nesting sites on some of the smaller islands away from predators in order to preserve the iguana population. <br />
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Whether classified as land or marine, iguanas are strange, fascinating and unusual. We have to do everything in our power to protect this fabulous example of adaptation and evolution.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-11475729236144806842016-02-28T11:13:00.001-06:002016-03-05T05:30:27.657-06:00Espanola Island - Gardner Bay<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Greeting Committee at Gardner Bay</b></td></tr>
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Espanola Island is the home to several spectacular visitor sites, one of which is the exquisite white sand beach at Gardner Bay. It's a beach perfect for walking and watching the frolicking and resting sea lions, hundreds of which may be seen here at any given time. <br />
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To me, this is always a special place. Always, loud guttural barking is a first indication that we have arrived at Espanola Island’s beautiful Gardner Bay. Be prepared for the amazing welcoming committee made of literally hundreds of sea lions lazing on the beach, playing in the surf and soaking up the sun.<br />
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Typically, on your cruise, it's likely that you have seen a lot of sea lions by now, but nothing quite like this. There are hundred, all unafraid and content to have us in their midst; oblivious to the fact that they are the subject of our videos, photos and inquiries. To the contrary, the sea lions seem to like us around – the pups certainly do. They come up eagerly looking for little rubs on their noses. We do not oblige this natural curiosity. A pup who returns to his mother with the scent of a human is likely to be rejected and starve to death as a result.<br />
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While we love how social these little guys can be, they are much better off being social with each other. In fact, watching the pups play with each other and cavort around is part of the charm of Gardner Bay.<br />
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The cacophony of sounds made by these placid seeming animals may startle you. The male adult sea lion’s bark is loud, long and repetitive. I love to imitate them for my group and before too long my group is barking along with me. It makes me laugh as I know this means that they are loving their time here and really feeling a part of the Galapagos experience.The pups don’t bark so loud, but a mother sea lion is able to recognize the distinctive bark of her pup in a crowd. We do not confuse them one bit!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1eopnJW7c8/VtMqU4kJR0I/AAAAAAAACxw/tPjEgo0CYJY/s1600/green%2Bsea%2Bturtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1eopnJW7c8/VtMqU4kJR0I/AAAAAAAACxw/tPjEgo0CYJY/s200/green%2Bsea%2Bturtle.jpg" width="200" /></a>Gardner Bay also is the home to Espanola Mockingbirds and three species of <st1:city w:st="on">Darwin</st1:city> finches. Early in the year, green sea turtles populate the beach as well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Green Sea Turtle Nest</b></td></tr>
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A very important aspect of Gardner Bay is that it serves as a nesting site for the Green Sea Turtle. According to Galapagos National Park Service studies, the tortoise population had been greatly reduced by human interference. Only 12 females and 2 males were found on the Island in 1965. All were transferred to the breeding center at La Galapaguera on Santa Cruz Island. Within 20 years, and after the addition of a few other male tortoises, baby turtles were bred. Then,in 2991, the first of these tortoises were released back into their natural habitat. <span style="font-size: 12pt;">Now, about 1500 tortoises have been released back onto Espanola, a major success story of conservation and preservation.<span style="background: white;"> </span></span>It is essential that the tortoises be allowed to breed peacefully and that no one interfere with their breeding sites and nests. Notably too, human are not the tortoises's only predator as frigate and other marine birds often feast on the babies before they make it into the ocean waters and sharks and other fish are also predators.<br />
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Gardner Bay is a favorite site for many Galapagos Island visitors. The range of possibilities on beautiful Espanola Island is infinite.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-17334733975713013882016-02-28T11:00:00.001-06:002016-03-16T11:26:01.739-06:00Espanola Island - Suarez Point<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Gorgeous Vista at Punta Suarez</b></td></tr>
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<st1:placename style="background-color: white;" w:st="on">Espanola</st1:placename><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><st1:placetype style="background-color: white;" w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype><span style="background-color: white;">, the southernmost and one of the oldest islands in the archipelago, is a treat waiting to be discovered by every </span><st1:place style="background-color: white;" w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Galapagos</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="background-color: white;"> visitor. If possible, there is too much beauty, uniqueness and wonder to conceive of in one small place. </span><br />
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At Punta Suarez, you have a dry landing – but a very careful one on a rocky ledge – and be sure not to step on the Sea Lions! You will walk up a trail, through some fascinating flora and fauna and many little lava lizards before arriving at your ultimate destination – the top of a cliff populated by Blue Footed Boobies and Waved Albatross.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Punta Suarez is the world-wide nesting site for the Waved Albatross, now considered to be a critically endangered species. Depending on the time of year, you might see their elaborate and lengthy mating dance and even their newborns. The albatross nestlings are covered with white down and soon will be learning to fly, quite awkwardly at first. It’s hard to let your eyes rest here. And you won’t want to; remember this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Here are some other albatross and some really adorable results of the mating dance and courtship ritual. Albatross mate for life.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Albatross Mating Area at Punta Suarez</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">This is also a nesting site for Blue-Footed Boobies. Their dance is just as fabulous as that of the Albatross and even amusing. The Blue-Footed Boobies will definitely make you smile. Here's a sample of boobies at Suarez Point:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white;"><b style="background-color: white;">But, I Will Win You Over A Little Bit At A Time</b></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Didn't I Tell You - Just Come a Little Closer</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b> I Knew You Couldn't Resist Me! You're Mine!</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ta Da!</b></td></tr>
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Now, you might think that having seen the world's largest population of Waved Albatross and the most beguiling Blue-Footed Boobies <b>ever</b>, was enough. But Punta Suarez isn't done - not at all. The birdlife doesn't stop there. More birds await – red billed tropic birds, gliding hawks, doves, finches, Whimbrels, ubiquitous frigatebirds, mockingbirds and swallow-tailed gulls.<br />
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</span> <span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="background-color: white;">As you watch these magnificent creatures interact, and take in the vista, you will also be aware of the gorgeous Pacific Ocean roaring below you and the amazing lava blow hole spewing waves and foam up to 30 feet high. Don’t be the least bit surprised if a brightly-colored iguana is soaking up the sun and seemingly enjoying the view along with you. Truly, Punta Suarez is a sight to behold.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-74421361129410104262016-02-28T10:35:00.001-06:002016-02-28T10:35:39.371-06:00Kicker Rock Near San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kicker Rock at Sunset </b><b>photograph by Aquasurround</b></td></tr>
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One of the most photographed sites in all of the Galapagos Islands is Kicker Rock, also known as Leon Dormido because to some it resembles a sleeping lion. Kicker Rock is an easy trip from San Cristobal’s harbor of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and no excursion to the Galapagos Islands is complete without a visit here. There is no more stunning and majestic site in the Galapagos Islands.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kicker Rock Daytime photograph by Aquasurround</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The two inexorable towering monoliths of Kicker Rock are a constant presence within an environment that is otherwise ever-changing and dynamic. Approaching Kicker Rock, you may at first see only one large rock inexplicably rising from the Pacific. As the boat gets closer, you begin to see that there are, in fact, two high peaks and soon you can discern a space between them.</span></div>
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The rock faces themselves tell a story of evolution. You might imagine the millions of years it took for underwater volcanic action to result in a lava build up that created this natural wonder. But, you might equally imagine and be fascinated by the erosion caused by the water and wind that is just as inevitably wearing down these towers until, some day, they will again be covered by the sea. What a stunning story.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hDq0O5c_pvo/T-3137Q2huI/AAAAAAAAAOc/pPZYQ-ZKs-I/s1600/manu7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Galapagos Male Frigate Bird Displaying his red crest" border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hDq0O5c_pvo/T-3137Q2huI/AAAAAAAAAOc/pPZYQ-ZKs-I/s200/manu7.jpg" title="Galapagos Male Frigate Bird Displaying his red crest" width="200" /></a>The birds and marine life that you see from the boat tell another story altogether. Kicker Rock is a haven for frigate birds. <br />
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Nesting in the trees and scrubs within the crevasses of the rock face are Nazca boobies.</div>
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And that’s just what you can see from your boat. The amazing underwater activity at Kicker Rock is, if anything, even more stimulating and creates a perfect spot for snorkeling or even SCUBA diving. Here, I frequently see both hammerhead and Galapagos sharks and many schools of fish. We can swim close to the rock face and hope to see angelfish, eagle rays, starfish, sturgeon and rainbow fish. You might even see a penguin or the Galapagos tortoise swimming by.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wq7cTAqIKKU/UAxlj9YIMsI/AAAAAAAAAkk/m5j82-Xx_K8/s1600/May+1+Kicker+Rock+IMG_1235+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kicker Rock at Dusk" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wq7cTAqIKKU/UAxlj9YIMsI/AAAAAAAAAkk/m5j82-Xx_K8/s200/May+1+Kicker+Rock+IMG_1235+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Kicker Rock at Dusk" width="200" /></a>There is no more stunning and majestic site in the <st1:place w:st="on">Galapagos Islands</st1:place> than Kicker Rock. You will be captivated by this site of an old volcanic eruption now eroded by tens of thousands of years of wind and waves.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-40830219584400826372016-02-28T10:34:00.001-06:002016-02-28T10:34:50.650-06:00Visitor Sites on San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The beautiful and versatile San Cristobal Island is one of the most eastern and oldest of the Galapagos Islands. It is moderately-sized, at 195 square miles. But, that land area is filled with some of the most visited and remarkable sites anywhere in the world. This versatility also accounts for the fact that San Cristobal is the second most populated of the Islands; about 8000 people live on San Cristobal. While all of the Galapagos Islands is dedicated to conservancy and maintaining the tenuous ecological balance discovered by Charles Darwin, nowhere is this more true than the Island of San Cristobal itself. It is a forerunner in the quest for renewable energy; at least 60 percent of its energy already is generated by wind and solar power. You will see the wind towers from the harbor and as you drive throughout the island.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">PUERTO BAQUERIZO MORENO</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLyAER2kFRg/UBFsJo3jZiI/AAAAAAAAAms/22G9NSUZhy0/s1600/Galapagos12+%25280001-74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Galapagos Eco-Lodge Hotel on San Cristobal Island" border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLyAER2kFRg/UBFsJo3jZiI/AAAAAAAAAms/22G9NSUZhy0/s200/Galapagos12+%25280001-74.jpg" title="Puerto Baquerizo Moreno's Busy Harbor" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Puerto Baquerizo Moreno's Busy Harbor</b></td></tr>
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The primary port of San Cristobal is the very busy harbor at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This is the administrative capital of the Galapagos Islands, with good shopping and dining opportunities. It is the location of one of the two Galapagos Island airports. There are so many truly remarkable things to do without ever leaving this island: exciting and enlightening hiking, surfing, cultural activities, visiting sea turtles, and going to the beach, just to name a few. You will be immersed in the local culture, and see endemic birds, animals, plant and marine life. This article treats you some of the important and interesting visitor sites in and around Puerto Baquerizo Moreno before you even start to see the gorgeous sites that you can travel to by boat. Those are the subject of a separate article.<br />
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On San Cristobal Island itself, you can visit everything from the National Park’s Interpretation Center and Charles Darwin Tortoise Reserve to Frigatebird Hill and Puerto Chino, the foremost surfing site in all of the Galapagos archipelago. The best of Ecuadorian cuisine is available and the artwork and designs of local artisans are available. Take a break from the snorkeling and hiking to take a stroll along the main street and enjoy the “big city” life.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>One of Your Many Greeters to San Cristobal</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Whether you arrive on the main street by boat or from the airport you are going to be greeted as never before in your life. The harbor is surrounded by park benches and areas designed to sit and absorb the sounds and activities of this active harbor. The only problem is, you probably won’t find a seat! That’s not because there are so many people strolling on the promenade, but because our friendly sea lions think that the benches belong to them. Not only the benches, but the pier, the pangas and the boats are all populated by the sea lions. Believe me when I tell you that they are watching you every bit as much as you are engaging with them!</span><br />
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</span> <span style="background-color: white;">The Galapagos Navy also is housed at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Even from your cruise ship, if you are awake to see the sunrise in the early morning hours, you can hear the navy seamen chanting as they run across the Island doing their daily drills.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">LA LOBERIA</span></h3>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jq5LfcWT1aI/UBFvdIibtCI/AAAAAAAAAoA/B2Yoxpj-TuM/s1600/La+Loberia+Rocks+and+Birds+from+National+Park+Service.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bird Life at La Loberia visitor site, San Cristobal, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jq5LfcWT1aI/UBFvdIibtCI/AAAAAAAAAoA/B2Yoxpj-TuM/s200/La+Loberia+Rocks+and+Birds+from+National+Park+Service.jpg" title="Bird Life at La Loberia, San Cristobal, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j5ryEdlmsnM/UBFvd8x78zI/AAAAAAAAAoI/FgSi6w9JlMs/s1600/La+Loberia+Sea+Lions+from+National+Park+Service.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Sea Lions at La Loberia, San Cristobal, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j5ryEdlmsnM/UBFvd8x78zI/AAAAAAAAAoI/FgSi6w9JlMs/s200/La+Loberia+Sea+Lions+from+National+Park+Service.jpg" title="Sea Lions at La Loberia, San Cristobal, Galapagos" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white;">A pleasant and scenic walk from town is the home of a large sea lion colony and nursery. La Loberia at low tide is an unmitigated treat. It is thrilling to watch the mother bring her pups to the tide pools for swimming lessons. Feel free to jump in the water and snorkel while the pups cavort around you. Get up close and personal as they dive down below you and burst back up again with their little faces just inches from yours. They seem to smile, and you will be smiling too. While you are here, enjoy the bird watching, marine iguanas and, from time to time, giant tortoises.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">INTERPRETATION CENTER<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IIzXXuRN3CM/UBFs_h-lp0I/AAAAAAAAAng/4x1XnYBoVfY/s1600/interpretation+center+outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Looking Down from the San Cristobal Hillside to The Interpretation Center and Puerto Baqueriao Moreno" border="0" height="109" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IIzXXuRN3CM/UBFs_h-lp0I/AAAAAAAAAng/4x1XnYBoVfY/s200/interpretation+center+outside.jpg" title="Looking Down from the San Cristobal Hillside to The Interpretation Center and Puerto Baqueriao Moreno" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Looking Down from the San Cristobal Hillside to<br />
The Interpretation Center and Puerto Baqueriao Moreno<br />
Photo from the Interpretation Center</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFXQ6aeReRI/UBFs_XKcVaI/AAAAAAAAAnY/cS-OnxHfdV4/s1600/interpretation+center+history+exhibit+and+replica+of+post+office+on+Floreana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="The Interpretation Center at Puerto Baqueriao Moreno, San Cristobal" border="0" height="109" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFXQ6aeReRI/UBFs_XKcVaI/AAAAAAAAAnY/cS-OnxHfdV4/s200/interpretation+center+history+exhibit+and+replica+of+post+office+on+Floreana.jpg" title="The Interpretation Center at Puerto Baqueriao Moreno, San Cristobal" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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The Galapagos National Park has regulated that every cruise ship visitor must be introduced to one of three specific sites on the Galapagos Islands in order to acquire a sense of the history of the Islands and their importance to evolution and conservation. Two of these sites are on San Cristobal. The first is the Interpretation Center. It is just about a 10-minute walk from the harbor and provides important background information and introductory perspective for any traveler to the Galapagos Islands. The exhibitions review the archipelago's natural volcanic history and formation, explain why certain wildlife has been able to sustain itself on a sometimes barren landscape with very little fresh water, and provide insight into the impact of humans and the importance of conservation on this delicate ecosystem.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">FRIGATEBIRD HILL AND DARWIN BAY</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qwipvr-HzXY/UBFx2DRp7wI/AAAAAAAAAoY/GJDIXNJyEY8/s1600/frigate-birds-male--female-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Frigatebirds in Flight at Frigate bird hill, San Cristobal, Galapagos" border="0" height="151" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qwipvr-HzXY/UBFx2DRp7wI/AAAAAAAAAoY/GJDIXNJyEY8/s200/frigate-birds-male--female-0.jpg" title="Frigatebirds in Flight at Frigate bird hill, San Cristobal, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Frigatebirds in Flight; Photo Credit Hem Tripathi</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">From the Interpretation Center, you may hike on the two-mile lava trail to Frigatebird Hill and Darwin Bay, where you will see the breeding area of both the Magnificent Frigatebird and Great Frigatebird. The local plant, animal and bird life provides you with many exciting photographic opportunities. You are likely to see a unique dry forest of cacti, acacia and sometimes Galapagos cotton. At Frigatebird Hill and Darwin Bay you will be treated to sweeping views of the port, and the northwestern part of San Cristobal, including Kicker Rock.</span><br />
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<b><span style="background-color: white;">LA GALAPAGUERA </span></b></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-usLELrFbV1I/UBFr-oP5YUI/AAAAAAAAAmI/ohcc8NLYmN8/s1600/May+2+San+Cristobal+IMG_1263+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Small Tortoises at La Galapaguera, San Cristobal, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-usLELrFbV1I/UBFr-oP5YUI/AAAAAAAAAmI/ohcc8NLYmN8/s200/May+2+San+Cristobal+IMG_1263+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Small Tortoises at La Galapaguera, San Cristobal, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Small Tortoises at La Galapaguera</b></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dX6klSRFYY/UBFsESZ1GAI/AAAAAAAAAmc/_50Kp06JC-U/s1600/May+2+San+Cristobal+IMG_1267+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tortoise Munching on Greenery at La Galapaguera, San Cristobal, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dX6klSRFYY/UBFsESZ1GAI/AAAAAAAAAmc/_50Kp06JC-U/s200/May+2+San+Cristobal+IMG_1267+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Tortoise Munching on Greenery at La Galapaguera, San Cristobal, Galapagos" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white;">
</span><span style="background-color: white;">The other “must see” visitor’s site is La Galapaguera. Together the Galapagos National Park Service and the Charles Darwin Research Center, have designed a remarkable preserve and controlled breeding center for the Tortugas, the purpose of which is to see that the once-dwindling population of indigenous Galapagos tortoises thrives again. You will observe these gentle reminders of the past and hope for the future wander through their environment searching for shade and leafy greens, as you photograph and preserve your own precious memories. It is possible to hike to the preserve where you will experience the giant tortoises in the preserve mirroring their natural habitat. Many of the species endemic to San Cristobal can be seen on this hike, including the giant tortoise, lava lizard, gecko, and mockingbird.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">EL JUNCO AND SAN JOAQUIN HILL</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAAOzoXtTvs/UBFz8wmkALI/AAAAAAAAAoo/2cB-vFq_Ygo/s1600/el+junco+photo+from+National+Park+Service.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="El Junco, San Cristobal, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAAOzoXtTvs/UBFz8wmkALI/AAAAAAAAAoo/2cB-vFq_Ygo/s200/el+junco+photo+from+National+Park+Service.jpg" title="El Junco, San Cristobal, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>El Junco Photo from National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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Not far, and also located in the San Cristobal highlands, are El Junco and San Joaquin Hill. Laguna El Junco is a miraculous fresh water lake, the largest fresh water preserve in the entire Galapagos archipelago. It was formed in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in the crater of a now-extinct volcano in the highlands of San Cristobal. Because of the fresh water, the color and abundance of the flora and fauna are strikingly green in what is often a barren landscape. This is, indeed, some of the most dramatic greenery in the island system. It is also home to a large population of bird life.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSQoeKwTZwk/UBF0aVBvitI/AAAAAAAAAow/1rZuzMVvrms/s1600/Warbler+copia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Galapagos Warbler" border="0" height="134" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSQoeKwTZwk/UBF0aVBvitI/AAAAAAAAAow/1rZuzMVvrms/s200/Warbler+copia.jpg" title="Galapagos Warbler" width="200" /></a></div>
The hike to El Junco provides the opportunity to climb up the sides of this extinct volcano. From your spectacular vantage point you may see many of the endemic bird species including Galapagos mockingbirds, pintails, moorhens, pied-billed grebes and frigate birds swooping down to the water to fish. The view from the 2400 foot summit at San Joaquin Hill will take your breath away. While visiting the highlands you also will be treated to the remarkable view of San Cristobal Island's Eastern shore including Punta Pitt, Puerto Chino and El Pescador.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">PUERTO CHINO</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qUZa8GgPgvo/UBF0vW5K-qI/AAAAAAAAAo4/IoNv4DNZOxQ/s1600/Pto.+Chino.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Beach at Puerto Chino, San Cristobal, Galapagos" border="0" height="132" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qUZa8GgPgvo/UBF0vW5K-qI/AAAAAAAAAo4/IoNv4DNZOxQ/s200/Pto.+Chino.JPG" title="The Beach at Puerto Chino, San Cristobal, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-za57iv_YqK4/UBFtPXgmO2I/AAAAAAAAAn4/NksKsgBMXZM/s1600/pto.+chino+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Path to the Beach at Puerto Chino, San Cristobal, Galapagos" border="0" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-za57iv_YqK4/UBFtPXgmO2I/AAAAAAAAAn4/NksKsgBMXZM/s200/pto.+chino+%25282%2529.jpg" title="The Path to the Beach at Puerto Chino, San Cristobal, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Path to the Beach at Puerto Chino</b></td></tr>
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Nothing on the Galapagos Islands compares to the surf at Puerto Chino. Just moments from the San Cristobal airport, it is a site not to be missed. This rocky reef is a surfer's paradise with consistent waves and a beautiful white sand crystalline beach. Swells are between 3 and 12 feet with a bottom reef of coral and sand. You can drive to this beach or take a nature hike over lava fields and dry forest habitat to this gorgeous locale where you are likely to see both blue footed boobies and frigate birds diving.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqIJeapjxTM/UBF154rXX9I/AAAAAAAAApI/u6EalP2ISxQ/s1600/Harry+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Harry Jimenez, owner Galapagos Eco Lodge" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqIJeapjxTM/UBF154rXX9I/AAAAAAAAApI/u6EalP2ISxQ/s200/Harry+2.JPG" title="Harry Jimenez, owner Galapagos Eco Lodge" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">I've given you here just a taste of the diversity and beauty available on the Island of San Cristobal, the place where I grew up and live. The greatest pleasure I have is when I get to share this paradise that I call my home. This is the very reason that I built and sustain the Galapagos Eco Lodge. I want visitors to San Cristobal to experience all of this beauty with me and become immersed in our Ecuadorian culture as well. From the Eco Lodge, I will be your guide to all of these spectacular visitor sites and so much more. For more information on the Galapagos Eco Lodge in San Cristobal, Galapagos Ecuador, <a href="http://galapagosecolodge.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">visit the Galapagos Eco Lodge web site</span></b></a>.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-53685074890136539012016-02-28T10:33:00.001-06:002016-02-28T10:33:43.186-06:00Visitor Sites Near San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HdG6SUoBLgM/UBSP0lvS92I/AAAAAAAAApY/5do3SQrN7jw/s1600/Kickerr+-+copia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kicker Rock at Sunset, San Cristobal, Galapagos" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HdG6SUoBLgM/UBSP0lvS92I/AAAAAAAAApY/5do3SQrN7jw/s320/Kickerr+-+copia.JPG" title="Kicker Rock at Sunset, San Cristobal, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kicker Rock at Sunset</b></td></tr>
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I’ve written all about the marvelous spots available for traveling on San Cristobal Island itself in my post entitled <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/07/san-cristobal-island-visitor-sites_26.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>San Cristobal Island Visitor Sites</b></a>. Among them are the main town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, La Loberia, The Interpretation Center, Frigatebird Hill, Darwin Bay, La Galapaguera, El Junco and San Joaquin Hill, Puerto Chino, Mann Beach, Punta Carola Beach (sometimes called Cape Horn Beach) and Colorado Hill Lookout. You can learn all about these sites by visiting my earlier post and also on the website for the <b><a href="http://galapagosecolodge.net/Things_to_Do.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Galapagos Eco-Lodge.</a></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">While the sites on the island itself are all treasures, the beauty and magic of what lies a short boat ride from the harbor is truly dazzling.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span>The first of these sites, and truly an iconic place in all of the Galapagos Islands, is <b>Kicker Rock</b>, sometimes called Leon Dormido. This is such a spectacular location, breathtaking at any time of day, that it warrants an entire post of its own, <b><a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/07/kicker-rock-near-san-cristobal-island_22.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kicker Rock</a></b>.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>PUERTO GRANDE<span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Photo of Puerto Grande from<br />Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Puerto Grande</span><span style="background-color: white;"> is a protected cove on the northwestern side of San Cristobal, with a white sandy beach - just perfect for a peaceful walk, swimming, sun bathing and photo opportunities. It is located next to Kicker Rock Island. The beautiful and peaceful beach houses a system of dunes and plant species endemic to the Galapagos Island coast, as well as many aquatic birds. You might be lucky enough to see a yellow finch flitting around the beach. The National Park Service may give a few lucky visitors, who arrange in advance, permission to camp here.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Beach at Puerto Grande</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Flowers at Pueto Grande</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>ISLA LOBOS<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c7RYCuJywaQ/UBSXTwoI48I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/FwoWM38zenc/s1600/Galapagos12+(0001-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sally Lightfoot Crab at Isla Lobos, San Cristobal, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c7RYCuJywaQ/UBSXTwoI48I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/FwoWM38zenc/s200/Galapagos12+(0001-40.jpg" title="Sally Lightfoot Crab at Isla Lobos, San Cristobal, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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That it is the nesting ground for blue-footed boobies and frigate birds is enough to warrant a trip to Isla Lobos, a small rocky islet off the coast of San Cristobal. If you are lucky enough to visit this tiny island and walk its shores, take in the Sally Lightfoot Crabs and view the arid indigenous vegetation and examples of the Galapagos’ ubiquitous volcanic rock. <span style="background-color: white;">You certainly will experience Nazca Boobies, as well as frigatebirds, both male and female swooping into the water to gather food.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VNXyumMgDFU/UBSXBu1PE6I/AAAAAAAAAqI/_MmFQIUW9iM/s1600/isla_lobos_sea+lion+swimming+from+national+park+service.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sea Lion Swimming underwater at Isla Lobos, San Cristobal, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VNXyumMgDFU/UBSXBu1PE6I/AAAAAAAAAqI/_MmFQIUW9iM/s200/isla_lobos_sea+lion+swimming+from+national+park+service.jpg" title="Sea Lion Swimming underwater at Isla Lobos, San Cristobal, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">But, Isla Lobos literally means “Sea Lion Island” and that says it all. Here, you have the unmitigated pleasure and delight of swimming with the captivating and charismatic sea lions. Unafraid and eager to engage, the sea lion pups will entice you to chase them and play like one of them. Other marine life at Isla Lobos includes manta rays, multiple fish species, brown pelicans, star fish and sea turtles. Isla Lobos is just one hour by boat from the harbor at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and may be visited only with a naturalist certified by the Galapagos National Park Service.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>PUNTA PITT</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-wMbPCyeus/UBSdVjFCxJI/AAAAAAAAAqo/gb5qBp7ngBo/s1600/May+1+San+Cristobal+Pitt+Point+IMG_1224+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Looking down at Punta Pitt on San Cristobal Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-wMbPCyeus/UBSdVjFCxJI/AAAAAAAAAqo/gb5qBp7ngBo/s320/May+1+San+Cristobal+Pitt+Point+IMG_1224+(2).JPG" title="Looking down at Punta Pitt on San Cristobal Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZScIYrqTi7k/UBSdaGTYWLI/AAAAAAAAAqw/TQEubk9aasM/s1600/May+1+San+Cristobal_1175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mating Lave Lizards at Punta Pitt, San Cristobal, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZScIYrqTi7k/UBSdaGTYWLI/AAAAAAAAAqw/TQEubk9aasM/s200/May+1+San+Cristobal_1175.JPG" title="Mating Lave Lizards at Punta Pitt, San Cristobal, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Punta Pitt is located at the eastern end of San Cristobal and you may land on this site only if accompanied by a certified naturalist. However, snorkeling is open to anyone and provides a wealth of opportunities to see the marine life. It is a favorite snorkeling and diving reef populated by large schools of tropical fish including king angelfish, grunts, snappers, and Alamo jacks. Sea lions, octopus, rays, and whale sharks also are frequently seen nearby.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">The trail at Pitt Point, which comprises a walk of about two hours, ascends to the top of a volcanic tuff and has several stunning vistas for photograph opportunities. The beach itself is populated by sea lions. Visitors hope to see all three species of boobies – Red-Footed, Blue-Footed and Nazca – when they visit Punta Pitt. According to the Galapagos National Park Service, it is the only place in the entire archipelago where all three species reside because of the abundance of small fish eaten by all three species of boobies. They all are excellent divers and can be seen in groups swooping down into dense schools of fish to eat their fill. Their nesting sites are segregated: Blue-Footed Boobies nest in the interior, Red-Footed Boobies nest on shrubs and Nazca boobies nest in the cliffs. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQXVzK8QZYs/UBSeVbSODkI/AAAAAAAAArk/wVG4gXkOx5I/s1600/Galapagos12+(0001-68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Galapagos Frigate Bird Flying" border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQXVzK8QZYs/UBSeVbSODkI/AAAAAAAAArk/wVG4gXkOx5I/s200/Galapagos12+(0001-68.jpg" title="Galapagos Frigate Bird Flying" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white;">Pitt Point is also the nesting site of frigate bird species. The stunning beach is crystalline in consistency and frequented by sea lions, frigates, pelicans, herons and gulls.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: cyan; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: white;">WITCH HILL</span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span> </span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVs55fYpr74/UBVOhh5OrZI/AAAAAAAAAsE/rvlOqM-VNjU/s1600/May+1+Witch+Hill+San+Cristobal_1214+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Looking Through Witch Hill with Kicker Rock in the Background" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVs55fYpr74/UBVOhh5OrZI/AAAAAAAAAsE/rvlOqM-VNjU/s200/May+1+Witch+Hill+San+Cristobal_1214+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Looking Through Witch Hill with Kicker Rock in the Background" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">Witch Hill, found on the northern coast of San Cristobal, will delight you with one of the most picturesque white-sand beaches in the Galapagos, although it is open only to trips guided by certified naturalists. This location was one of Charles Darwin’s first stops in the Galapagos Islands and a likely place that he observed the finches that served as the basis for his evolutionary conclusions. As you hike at this location, the feel of the warm powdery white sand will soothe you while you engage with some of the most exciting wildlife in the region. The area is populated with sea turtles, rays and blue-footed boobies. The ever-popular and personable sea lions lounge on the beach and play in the water. The cliffs are exceedingly majestic here and the aa lava is remarkable in its formations. The entire formation is the eroding tuff of a volcano. There are two primary forms of plant life here, both known as halophytes, which means a plant whose roots actually grow in water with very high saline content.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owobPlwYrfg/UBVPCSJqVoI/AAAAAAAAAss/BgCmNCk1DM8/s1600/May+1+Witch+Hill+San+Cristobal_1201+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Looking Up the Cliff from the Panga at Witch Hill" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owobPlwYrfg/UBVPCSJqVoI/AAAAAAAAAss/BgCmNCk1DM8/s200/May+1+Witch+Hill+San+Cristobal_1201+(3).JPG" title="Looking Up the Cliff from the Panga at Witch Hill" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">You don’t have to land on Witch Hill to appreciate its uniqueness. There is no place like it in all of the Galapagos. The cliffs are stunning; lie back in your panga and look up to get its full majestic quality. Your panga can drive through scenic p assages and you can see Kicker Rock on the other side. This is a stunning view. At Witch Hill is the chance again to swim and snorkel with sea lions and observe pelicans, Blue-Footed Boobies, iguanas and other Galapagos endemic marine life.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4v_IbfXhezs/UBVPD8FgMII/AAAAAAAAAs0/uuixf5dxZAI/s1600/May+1+Witch+Hill+San+Cristobal_1202+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Majestic Witch Hill from the Water" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4v_IbfXhezs/UBVPD8FgMII/AAAAAAAAAs0/uuixf5dxZAI/s200/May+1+Witch+Hill+San+Cristobal_1202+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Majestic Witch Hill from the Water" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>CARAGUA WRECK<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OmNKKRWJvnE/UBVR5kFZLaI/AAAAAAAAAto/f1UBicU3j8c/s1600/Caragua+Wreck+Commons+Photo6458182965_d306b3edc0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Caragua Wreck, San Cristobal, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OmNKKRWJvnE/UBVR5kFZLaI/AAAAAAAAAto/f1UBicU3j8c/s200/Caragua+Wreck+Commons+Photo6458182965_d306b3edc0_b.jpg" title="Caragua Wreck, San Cristobal, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Caragua Wreck Photos are taken<br />by permission from Papertygre at </b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exlYUVMVr-c/UBVR33pHmtI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/A6b9EvAn35g/s1600/Caragua+Wreck+Common+Photo6458184403_74241edfe5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Caragua Wreck, San Cristobal, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exlYUVMVr-c/UBVR33pHmtI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/A6b9EvAn35g/s200/Caragua+Wreck+Common+Photo6458184403_74241edfe5_b.jpg" title="Caragua Wreck, San Cristobal, Galapagos" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">Throughout WWI transport ships sailed around the Galapagos islands. It was right outside the harbor of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno that the WWI German transport ship Caragua sank 100 years ago. At the wreck site a reef-like environment has been created. SCUBA divers will be exposed to stingrays, nudibranches, corals, schools of fish, rays and sea lions. This remains one of the few wreck dives in Galapagos. The wreck is approximately 300 feet long and you can inspect the ship's remains including the propellers and boilers.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>OTHER VISITOR SITES<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">A few other sites near San Cristobal are the following:</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OZW3-VeDKkw/UArHH22L-CI/AAAAAAAAAf8/oB6aD7KoeYE/s1600/Sea+lion0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sea Lions at Ochoa Beach, San Cristobal, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OZW3-VeDKkw/UArHH22L-CI/AAAAAAAAAf8/oB6aD7KoeYE/s200/Sea+lion0.jpg" title="Sea Lions at Ochoa Beach, San Cristobal, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">Another popular boat trip from San Cristobal is <span style="color: blue;"><b>Ochoa Beach</b></span>, just 30 minutes away. This quiet beach is the home to many sea lions as well as ghost and hermit crabs. The birdlife here is prolific because of the pools that form along the shoreline. Endemic mockingbirds also frequent this beach.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OgH0J1CyjcE/UBVUO8jkPhI/AAAAAAAAAtw/IKm34cWALYE/s1600/April+30+Sante+Fe+Island_1155+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Galapagos Bird life at Manglecito, San Cristobal" border="0" height="159" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OgH0J1CyjcE/UBVUO8jkPhI/AAAAAAAAAtw/IKm34cWALYE/s200/April+30+Sante+Fe+Island_1155+(2).jpg" title="Galapagos Bird life at Manglecito, San Cristobal" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Manglecito</span></b> is a beautiful surfing area and a lovely spot for photography, particularly for bird lovers. Here, visitors have a delightful beach as well as the opportunity to see mangrove trees endemic to the Galapagos Islands. More typically, mangroves are viewed in the newer islands to the west. Many aquatic birds frequent the mangroves so visitors are apt to see several different species of finches, herons, warblers, and mockingbirds.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FFOw5bOYUXA/UBVOvqW1RtI/AAAAAAAAAsU/qKKZoIbaaJE/s1600/manu53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sunset over San Cristobal, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FFOw5bOYUXA/UBVOvqW1RtI/AAAAAAAAAsU/qKKZoIbaaJE/s200/manu53.jpg" title="Sunset over San Cristobal, Galapagos" width="200" /></a>San Cristobal Island and its surroundings<span style="color: blue;"><b></b></span> feature some of the most memorable sites anywhere in the world, and certainly in the Galapagos Islands. From the <b><a href="http://galapagosecolodge.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Galapagos Eco-Lodge</span></a></b>, all of these sites and more are just hours away by boat. Use each day of your vacation to its fullest by staying at the lovely Galapagos Eco-Lodge boutique hotel and traveling with me each day to the paradise I call my home. I promise you the time of your life and an adventure you will never forget.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-43301038294244998512016-02-28T10:28:00.001-06:002016-02-28T10:28:45.204-06:00Bartolome Island - Pinnacle Rock and Beautiful Beaches<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T0gBglO3i-8/UCOZBwuLaTI/AAAAAAAAAvc/LQdYnHc3ExE/s1600/Galapagos12+(0001-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bartolome Island; Pinnacle Rock" border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T0gBglO3i-8/UCOZBwuLaTI/AAAAAAAAAvc/LQdYnHc3ExE/s320/Galapagos12+(0001-6.jpg" title="Bartolome Island; Pinnacle Rock" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Bartolome Island; Pinnacle Rock<br />Photographed by AquaSurround</b></td></tr>
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<st1:placename style="text-indent: 0in;" w:st="on"><span style="background-color: white;">Bartholome</span></st1:placename><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0in;"> <st1:placename w:st="on">Island</st1:placename> has no human population, but is the home to one of the most recognized and photographed sites in all of the <st1:place w:st="on">Galapagos Islands</st1:place>: Pinnacle Rock. The Island itself is located in <st1:placename w:st="on">Sullivan</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Bay</st1:placename> to the east of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Santiago</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Because it offers such a spectacular view, most Galapagos travelers will find themselves enjoying the splendors of this island.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0aORXp296U/UCOZtc4yd0I/AAAAAAAAAvk/1Tt2GJt5gNY/s1600/Galapagos12+(0001-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Steps on Bartolome with Galapagos Hawk Above" border="0" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0aORXp296U/UCOZtc4yd0I/AAAAAAAAAvk/1Tt2GJt5gNY/s200/Galapagos12+(0001-9.jpg" title="Steps on Bartolome with Galapagos Hawk Above" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Steps on Bartolome with Galapagos Hawk Above<br />Photograph by AquaSurround</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0in;">The Galapagos Conservancy has built a 600 meter wooden pathway with more than 300 steps to ensure that visitors are guided to the best spots with as little impact on the surrounding endemic vegetation, animal and birdlife as possible. Look carefully at the rock and lava formations on your way up the climb as you will see very interesting volcanic formations of spatter and tuff cones and lava flows.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-672oBssZh10/UCOax8K9YLI/AAAAAAAAAv8/3-R9yUTWsJQ/s1600/April+29+Bartholomew+Island+16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="steep stairs built on Bartolome, along with indications of the spatter cones from the volcano " border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-672oBssZh10/UCOax8K9YLI/AAAAAAAAAv8/3-R9yUTWsJQ/s200/April+29+Bartholomew+Island+16.JPG" title="steep stairs built on Bartolome, along with indications of the spatter cones from the volcano " width="200" /></a></div>
Here is another photograph of the steep stairs built on Bartolome, along with indications of the spatter cones from the volcano that formed the island.<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30pMHDaNCdI/UCOaQzTXWlI/AAAAAAAAAvs/zIHUT5UktZM/s1600/Galapagos12+%25280001-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pinnacle Rock, Bartolome, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30pMHDaNCdI/UCOaQzTXWlI/AAAAAAAAAvs/zIHUT5UktZM/s200/Galapagos12+%25280001-2.jpg" title="Pinnacle Rock, Bartolome, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0in;">Pinnacle Rock itself is a distinctive volcanic cone, formed when magma was expelled from an underwater volcano. As the sea cooled the hot lava, it exploded and reformed into a huge rock consisting of many thin layers of basalt.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJPqpBa5Qbs/UCOby1BCgdI/AAAAAAAAAwY/abEsNsyMLqI/s1600/April+29+Bartholomew+Island+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="View from top of Bartolome Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJPqpBa5Qbs/UCOby1BCgdI/AAAAAAAAAwY/abEsNsyMLqI/s200/April+29+Bartholomew+Island+5.JPG" title="View from top of Bartolome Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0in;">The view from the top is remarkable. Not only will one see Pinnacle Rock, but also views of the stunning black lava flows at </span><st1:placename style="background-color: transparent; text-indent: 0in;" w:st="on">Sullivan</st1:placename><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0in;"> </span><st1:placename style="background-color: transparent; text-indent: 0in;" w:st="on">Bay</st1:placename><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0in;"> and the rest of </span><st1:place style="background-color: transparent; text-indent: 0in;" w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Santiago</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0in;">,</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-59bJR6CzIbU/UCOgZcaaQfI/AAAAAAAAAxI/O9VLDAtetrc/s1600/April+29+Bartholomew+Island+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Beach and Shore Line on Bartolome Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-59bJR6CzIbU/UCOgZcaaQfI/AAAAAAAAAxI/O9VLDAtetrc/s200/April+29+Bartholomew+Island+2.JPG" title="Beach and Shore Line on Bartolome Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Beach and Shore Line on Bartolome Island</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">There are two beaches within walking distance from one another on Bartolome. They are just as beautiful and enchanting as the view from the top of the island. The white crescent beach is lovely for a walk and is the nesting site for sea turtles. The nests can be seen near the top of the beach and are distinguished by their shape and the repetitive mounds of sand. </span><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0in;">A short walk through some endemic vegetation leads to another non-swimming beach with stingrays, Spotted Eagle Rays and Black-tipped Sharks.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1kfg5npe-t4/UCOfoP_wmGI/AAAAAAAAAw0/DHARW0L9IhI/s1600/Galapagos12+(0001-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Galapagos Penguin" border="0" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1kfg5npe-t4/UCOfoP_wmGI/AAAAAAAAAw0/DHARW0L9IhI/s200/Galapagos12+(0001-10.jpg" title="Galapagos Penguin" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0in;">On Bartolome, visitors will be delighted by bird watching and are likely to see Galapagos Penguins, herons and hawks. While snorkeling, White-tipped Sharks, penguins, sea turtles, rays and many tropical fish are likely to accompany you.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><b style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0in;"></b></span><b style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></b><b style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></b><b style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-63007720277346219752016-02-28T10:27:00.001-06:002016-02-28T10:27:36.367-06:00Fernandina Islands - Espinosa Point and Mangle Point<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kMoiCoZVYXY/UCPLzjouUVI/AAAAAAAAAxw/zwj1RdxvfyE/s1600/Fernandina_isabela+satellite+image+wiki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="map of Fernandina on the Left; Isabela on the Right" border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kMoiCoZVYXY/UCPLzjouUVI/AAAAAAAAAxw/zwj1RdxvfyE/s200/Fernandina_isabela+satellite+image+wiki.jpg" title="map of Fernandina on the Left; Isabela on the Right" width="197" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Fernandina on the Left; Isabela on the Right<br />
Photograph From WikiCommons</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WP5E2bhncNg/UCPLy85UuDI/AAAAAAAAAxo/p30Zgmz1EaA/s1600/Fernandina+erupting+from+satellite+wiki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fernandina's Core Erupting in 2009, Galapagos" border="0" height="153" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WP5E2bhncNg/UCPLy85UuDI/AAAAAAAAAxo/p30Zgmz1EaA/s200/Fernandina+erupting+from+satellite+wiki.jpg" title="Fernandina's Core Erupting in 2009, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Fernandina's Core Erupting in 2009 from Nasa Image</b></td></tr>
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The youngest of the Galapagos Islands, at just about 1,000,000 years old, Fernandina remains on the hot spot that created all of the islands. It is considered to be an active shield volcano with a large caldera, although the caldera collapsed in 1968. Fernandina is the westernmost and third largest of the Galapagos Islands. It most recently erupted in 2005 and 2009. The Island's landscape is dominated by La Cumbre Volcano. The volcano's lava fields stretch all the way from the top of the volcano to the sea itself.<br />
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The Galapagos Conservancy and National Park are determined to keep Fernandina as pristine and untouched by humans and other non-endemic creatures as possible. So, although the Island is literally teeming with bird and marine life, there is only one approved visitation spot on the Island. But, it is really something special.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">PUNTA ESPINOSA</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7Y75wwQkdY/UCPNuhHLv7I/AAAAAAAAAyA/fLcgHUJeyPk/s1600/punta_espinoza_foto_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Punta Espinosa, Fernandina, Galapagos" border="0" height="174" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7Y75wwQkdY/UCPNuhHLv7I/AAAAAAAAAyA/fLcgHUJeyPk/s320/punta_espinoza_foto_02.jpg" title="Punta Espinosa, Fernandina, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Punta Espinosa<br />
Photograph from National Park Service</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fieex_9AKYU/UCPQqoD1HhI/AAAAAAAAAy0/ic-JfuVRePw/s1600/6989341-marine-iguanas-sun-bathing-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Punta Espinosa Marine Iguanas Sun Bathing, Fernandina, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fieex_9AKYU/UCPQqoD1HhI/AAAAAAAAAy0/ic-JfuVRePw/s200/6989341-marine-iguanas-sun-bathing-0.jpg" title="Punta Espinosa Marine Iguanas Sun Bathing, Fernandina, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></div>
At Punta Espinosa you may be treated to a short walk around the peninsula and a longer walk to the edge of a large lava flow. Here’s how one of my guests described her reaction to Punta Espinosa:<br />
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"Nothing can prepare you for the Star-Trekian planet full of Marine Iguanas, hundreds of the things, worshipping their sun god as they await transport back to the mother ship. Just when you think you’ve seen so many sun-worshipping marine iguanas that you couldn’t possibly see any more, you round another corner and there’s another batch!"</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Thank you Cindy Procter-King for this unearthly description and for these two really great photographs. I recommend that everyone read <a href="http://cindyprocter-king.com/blog/galapagos-day-10-take-me-to-your-leader" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">Cindy’s entire post</span></b></a> on this fabulous site. From there, you can read her entire blog as well.)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6sPqWUNMVes/UCPRa2rMKMI/AAAAAAAAAzM/8Rh3GFYnjCE/s1600/espinosa2+Cindy+Procter+King.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Punta Espinosa Marine Iguanas Sun Bathing, Fernandina, Galapagos" border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6sPqWUNMVes/UCPRa2rMKMI/AAAAAAAAAzM/8Rh3GFYnjCE/s320/espinosa2+Cindy+Procter+King.jpg" title="Punta Espinosa Marine Iguanas Sun Bathing, Fernandina, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Photograph by Cindy Procter King</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vO0945hG0S0/UCPRbb6aTsI/AAAAAAAAAzU/aZ_RTOpNVTY/s1600/espinosa3+cindy+procter+king.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Punta Espinosa Marine Iguana Sun Bathing, Fernandina, Galapagos" border="0" height="191" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vO0945hG0S0/UCPRbb6aTsI/AAAAAAAAAzU/aZ_RTOpNVTY/s200/espinosa3+cindy+procter+king.jpg" title="Punta Espinosa Marine Iguana Sun Bathing, Fernandina, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>One Happy Sun Bathing Iguana<br />
Photograph by Cindy Procter King</b></td></tr>
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The iguanas at Espinosa Point are so plentiful that my primary responsibility is to make sure no one steps on them! Seriously, they are more prolific than you can imagine. Only a picture does them justice. Not only that, they are large – really big. But, the marine iguanas sunning themselves on the rocks, paths, sand, under foot, every where you look are just one of the treasures here. (To learn about marine iguanas, take a look at <b><a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/07/galapagos-marine-and-land-iguanas.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">my post about land and marine iguanas</span></a></b> that I wrote after a tourist tried to pack iguanas in his suitcase to take home with him – this is not a joke, but it is illegal and the consequences for this person were dire.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYNEjv8WqIU/UCPS-xiz0bI/AAAAAAAAAzs/fr5C3tckqYc/s1600/Flightless_cormorant+WIKI.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Flightless Cormorant Drying its Wings, Fernandina, Galapagos" border="0" height="268" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYNEjv8WqIU/UCPS-xiz0bI/AAAAAAAAAzs/fr5C3tckqYc/s320/Flightless_cormorant+WIKI.JPG" title="Flightless Cormorant Drying its Wings, Fernandina, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Flightless Cormorant Drying its Wings<br />
Photographs from WikiCommons</b></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yl642v2NfDY/UCPS9yzvyZI/AAAAAAAAAzc/xueTkUqc9yw/s1600/Flightless_cormorant+WIKI+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Flightless Cormorant, Fernandina, Galapagos" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yl642v2NfDY/UCPS9yzvyZI/AAAAAAAAAzc/xueTkUqc9yw/s200/Flightless_cormorant+WIKI+(1).jpg" title="Flightless Cormorant, Fernandina, Galapagos" width="128" /></a>You certainly don’t want to miss the Flightless Cormorants. There are 27 known cormorant species worldwide, but the Galapagos Cormorant is the only flightless cormorant anywhere in the world. These birds once flew, but adapted to their environment and, over time, lost their flying ability – a true testament to “survival of the fittest.” They are safe on the ground without flying largely because they have no natural land-based predators. These birds swim just about 100 meters off shore into the salt water for their food, which consists primarily of squid, octopus, eel and small fish. <span style="color: blue;"><b>Coming soon</b></span>, a post all about Flightless Cormorants – look for it here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tW5jYPsJy20/UCPS-UfpvmI/AAAAAAAAAzk/x-6MzSNkny8/s1600/Flightless_cormorant+WIKI+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Flightless Cormorant Swimming Just below the water's surface, Fernandina, Galapagos" border="0" height="123" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tW5jYPsJy20/UCPS-UfpvmI/AAAAAAAAAzk/x-6MzSNkny8/s200/Flightless_cormorant+WIKI+(2).jpg" title="Flightless Cormorant Swimming Just below the water's surface, Fernandina, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Flightless Cormorant Swimming Just Below the Surface<br />
Photograph From WikiCommons</b></td></tr>
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Espinosa Point is also the home to Galapagos Penguins, Sea Lions, Sally Lightfoot Crabs and even Galapagos Hawks. As for flora and fauna, the lava cactus is one of only a very few species able to survive in this lava rock.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kfg5npe-t4/UCOfoP_wmGI/AAAAAAAAAw0/DHARW0L9IhI/s1600/Galapagos12+%25280001-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Galapagos Penguin" border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kfg5npe-t4/UCOfoP_wmGI/AAAAAAAAAw0/DHARW0L9IhI/s200/Galapagos12+%25280001-10.jpg" title="Galapagos Penguin" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hhH81XC0uDU/UCOftM22ZgI/AAAAAAAAAw8/IoVu1ESMf9Q/s1600/Galapagos12+%25280001-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Galapagos Hawk" border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hhH81XC0uDU/UCOftM22ZgI/AAAAAAAAAw8/IoVu1ESMf9Q/s200/Galapagos12+%25280001-11.jpg" title="Galapagos Hawk" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GAnmJmZcaqk/UCPUl7Vxv3I/AAAAAAAAAz8/NCZdkHvmidA/s1600/Galapagos12+(0001-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Galapagos Sally Lightfoot Crab" border="0" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GAnmJmZcaqk/UCPUl7Vxv3I/AAAAAAAAAz8/NCZdkHvmidA/s200/Galapagos12+(0001-38.jpg" title="Galapagos Sally Lightfoot Crab" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EQYLqH34LkA/UCPUZ4Srr7I/AAAAAAAAAz0/ETGluYh8FH4/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Galapagos Sleeping Sea Lion" border="0" height="132" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EQYLqH34LkA/UCPUZ4Srr7I/AAAAAAAAAz0/ETGluYh8FH4/s200/DSC_0047.JPG" title="Galapagos Sleeping Sea Lion" width="200" /></a><br />
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</b>Fernandina Island may have just one visitor site where you actually have the opportunity to walk around the island, but it is full memorable highlights.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">MANGLE POINT</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G3kBLPAsbbI/UCPqDMOkroI/AAAAAAAAA1A/B0EUFdKol9w/s1600/mangle+point12531477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mangle Point at night, Fernandina, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G3kBLPAsbbI/UCPqDMOkroI/AAAAAAAAA1A/B0EUFdKol9w/s200/mangle+point12531477.jpg" title="Mangle Point at night, Fernandina, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mangle Point at Night from Wiki</b></td></tr>
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Off the eastern coast of <st1:place w:st="on">Fernandina</st1:place> is Mangle Point. a superior snorkeling and SCUBA dive site and a beautiful location for riding in a panga through a grove of mangrove trees. A hike of about 1/2 miles is possible. Whether you hike, snorkle, SCUBA or stay in your panga for a ride through the red mangrove trees, this second site of Fernandina Island is equally memorable. While you are on your ride, you are likely to see sea lions, tortoises, pelicans, rays and birds too numerous to name them all. The best description of this beautiful location was written again by Cindy Procter King. See her <a href="http://cindyprocter-king.com/blog/galapagos-day-94-mangle-point-fernandina-island/" target="_blank">whole post</a><b>.</b> <b><span style="color: blue;"></span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GyoUP-hBlYQ/UCPqCBaoplI/AAAAAAAAA0w/pdCRma0UMwY/s1600/mangle+point+cindy+Gala_April24_mangle_2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mangle Point Red Mangrove Swamp Root System, Fernandina, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GyoUP-hBlYQ/UCPqCBaoplI/AAAAAAAAA0w/pdCRma0UMwY/s200/mangle+point+cindy+Gala_April24_mangle_2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" title="Mangle Point Red Mangrove Swamp Root System, Fernandina, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Red Mangrove Swamp Root System<br />
Photography by Cindy Procter King</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KKY_zl3E-w4/UCPqAr_a-GI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/YYCsmLi9HUU/s1600/Red+Mangrove.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Entering the Red Mangrove Swamp at Mangle Point, Fernandina, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KKY_zl3E-w4/UCPqAr_a-GI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/YYCsmLi9HUU/s200/Red+Mangrove.jpg" title="Entering the Red Mangrove Swamp at Mangle Point, Fernandina, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Entering a Red Mangrove Swamp</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KUKdlulJsEU/UCPqCiEzRTI/AAAAAAAAA04/QnEZo_B_CB0/s1600/mangle+point+tortoises22041519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Giant Tortoises at Mangle Point, Fernandina, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KUKdlulJsEU/UCPqCiEzRTI/AAAAAAAAA04/QnEZo_B_CB0/s200/mangle+point+tortoises22041519.jpg" title="Giant Tortoises at Mangle Point, Fernandina, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tortoises at Mangle Point from Wiki</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A17SqA71NCk/UCPqBCChN6I/AAAAAAAAA0g/ed2DqvbVA3k/s1600/mangle+point+783px-Female_Gal%25C3%25A1pagos_lava_lizard_%2528Microlophus_albemarlensis%2529+WIKI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lava Lizard at Mangle Point, Fernandina, Galapagos" border="0" height="153" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A17SqA71NCk/UCPqBCChN6I/AAAAAAAAA0g/ed2DqvbVA3k/s200/mangle+point+783px-Female_Gal%25C3%25A1pagos_lava_lizard_%2528Microlophus_albemarlensis%2529+WIKI.jpg" title="Lava Lizard at Mangle Point, Fernandina, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Lava Lizard at Mangle Point from Wiki</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JDryMHqp4Ew/UCPqBe8ABNI/AAAAAAAAA0o/J3-aQP8U1Tg/s1600/mangle+point+Female_Gal%25C3%25A1pagos_medium_ground_finch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Finch at Mangle Point, Fernandina, Galapagos" border="0" height="179" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JDryMHqp4Ew/UCPqBe8ABNI/AAAAAAAAA0o/J3-aQP8U1Tg/s200/mangle+point+Female_Gal%25C3%25A1pagos_medium_ground_finch.jpg" title="Finch at Mangle Point, Fernandina, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Finch at Mangle Point from Wiki</b></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-5777747481177682152016-02-28T10:26:00.001-06:002016-02-28T10:26:29.846-06:00Floreana Island Visitor Sites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YRamTIsF0jE/UClbXlBUwzI/AAAAAAAAA5U/erckQtQ4KUA/s1600/Floreana+Baroness+View,+Post+Office+cropped.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sorting the Mail at the Post Office on Floreana Island with Harry Jimenez, owner of Galapagos Eco Lodge" border="0" height="228" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YRamTIsF0jE/UClbXlBUwzI/AAAAAAAAA5U/erckQtQ4KUA/s320/Floreana+Baroness+View,+Post+Office+cropped.JPG" title="Sorting the Mail at the Post Office on Floreana Island with Harry Jimenez, owner of Galapagos Eco Lodge" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sorting the Mail at the Post Office on Floreana Island</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Post Office Bay and Floreana Post Office</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IN2gSyUV3co/UClZSq9AvPI/AAAAAAAAA3E/eAzDob0gD_w/s1600/May+4+Floreana+Baroness+View%252C+Post+Office+IMG_1597+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Evidence of Previous Visitors to the Post Office at Floreana Island" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IN2gSyUV3co/UClZSq9AvPI/AAAAAAAAA3E/eAzDob0gD_w/s200/May+4+Floreana+Baroness+View%252C+Post+Office+IMG_1597+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Evidence of Previous Visitors to the Post Office at Floreana Island" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Evidence of Previous Visitors to the Post Office</b></td></tr>
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Floreana, one of the oldest of the Galapagos Islands, and first settled in 1832, is named after Juan Jose Flores, the first president of Ecuador. Now, it is best known for the post office located at Post Office Bay, a brown sand beach inhabited by the ever-present Galapagos sea lions lounging in the sun. For nearly 2 ½ centuries – since 1793 – this unique Galapagos Island post office has been operating in the same fashion. Bring your mail and drop it off, addressed to go anywhere in the world. (On a cruise, your guide will likely provide you with brightly-colored post cards of indigenous animals for this purpose). Then, it’s your job to take a look through the mail that has been left by earlier visitors. If you come across a letter you are able to hand-deliver or mail to someone from your home town, you become the personal mail carrier. Hopefully, someone else will soon come along to carry your mail to your friend or family in the same way. It’s as easy as that.<br />
<a name='more'></a>I’ve known mail to be delivered to obscure places in Australia in as little as a week using this system. On the other hand, your mail could languish – it’s all in the luck of who comes next. The system has been operating for centuries and has been used successfully by pirates, whalers, explorers and visitors. Evidence of early visitors remains at this location.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H4DFja3GV6I/UClZK-fKnFI/AAAAAAAAA20/JHT6BXYYcYI/s1600/May+4+Floreana+Baroness+View%252C+Cave+IMG_1612+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Spelunking in Floreana's Caves" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H4DFja3GV6I/UClZK-fKnFI/AAAAAAAAA20/JHT6BXYYcYI/s200/May+4+Floreana+Baroness+View%252C+Cave+IMG_1612+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Spelunking in Floreana's Caves" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Getting Wet is Part of Spelunking<br />in Floreana's Caves</b></td></tr>
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Just a few meters behind the site of the post office is a cave with rickety steps and ropes as hand holds. It's not a site for the wary and only a few lucky travelers even get to hike into the underground caves that might once have been inhabited by pirates. At least my groups think that they are lucky to have this adventure - until they find themselves submerged to their waists in cold water. Still, it's always an unanticipated and happy highlight of a trip to Floreana when we are able to take this detour.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Punta Cormorant</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rYcSQ0-zBX8/UClZbSLNQ8I/AAAAAAAAA3s/_wXTOOs8vCU/s1600/May+4+Floreana+Cormorant+Point+IMG_1621+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Landscape on Floreana Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rYcSQ0-zBX8/UClZbSLNQ8I/AAAAAAAAA3s/_wXTOOs8vCU/s320/May+4+Floreana+Cormorant+Point+IMG_1621+%25282%2529.JPG" title="The Landscape on Floreana Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Landscape on Floreana Island</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JTQQ4WnD5jk/UClZZNgEwwI/AAAAAAAAA3g/0S9G2503_wM/s1600/May+4+Floreana+Cormorant+Point+IMG_1620+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Punta Cormorant, Floreana, Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JTQQ4WnD5jk/UClZZNgEwwI/AAAAAAAAA3g/0S9G2503_wM/s200/May+4+Floreana+Cormorant+Point+IMG_1620+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Punta Cormorant, Floreana, Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Punta Cormorant</b></td></tr>
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While Post Office Bay is the best known of Floreana’s attractions, it certainly is not the only one. You may have a wet landing at Punta Cormorant, a dark-sand beach formed by the erosion of coral skeletons and olivine crystals. The sand varies in color from greenish to black and glistens in the sun. The crystal-like formations of magnesium, iron and silica have blown to the beach from the top of the tuff cones that form the island’s surface.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hq-lYVTef5A/UClZdPltGEI/AAAAAAAAA30/mAeEwRpxnWY/s1600/May+4+Floreana+Cormorant+Point+IMG_1623+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="View of the Lagoon on a Cloudy Afternoon, Floreana, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hq-lYVTef5A/UClZdPltGEI/AAAAAAAAA30/mAeEwRpxnWY/s200/May+4+Floreana+Cormorant+Point+IMG_1623+%25282%2529.JPG" title="View of the Lagoon on a Cloudy Afternoon, Floreana, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>View of the Lagoon on a<br />Cloudy Afternoon - and it's still<br />stunningly beautiful</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kxGZdtnc0SY/UClfJogxlXI/AAAAAAAAA54/0s5WEydWtbw/s1600/Flamingos-pinkies_in_detail-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Flamingos in Salt Water Lagoon on Floreana, Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kxGZdtnc0SY/UClfJogxlXI/AAAAAAAAA54/0s5WEydWtbw/s200/Flamingos-pinkies_in_detail-0.jpg" title="Flamingos in Salt Water Lagoon on Floreana, Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Flamingos in Salt Water Lagoon</b></td></tr>
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From here a 720 meter trail leads up and across the island passing a saline-water lagoon before ending at a gorgeous white-sand beach surrounded by dark black volcanic rock. The lagoon is populated by beautiful flamingos, pintail ducks, stilts and other wading birds. Some days the flamingos are huddled in brightly-colored groups; other days may reveal just one lone example. Whether you are treated to one or many, the sight of a flamingo in its natural habitat is a photographer’s dream.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7a9gFhuKQRY/UClZvCFeNqI/AAAAAAAAA5A/KP1fwI-frCk/s1600/May+4+Floreana+Cormorant+Point+IMG_1639+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Prolific Rays on Flour Beach, Floreana, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7a9gFhuKQRY/UClZvCFeNqI/AAAAAAAAA5A/KP1fwI-frCk/s200/May+4+Floreana+Cormorant+Point+IMG_1639+%25283%2529.JPG" title="Prolific Rays on Flour Beach, Floreana, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Prolific Rays on Flour Beach</b></td></tr>
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But, the trail doesn’t end there and more scenery awaits. The trail ends
at so-called “Flour Beach” named because of its pure and soft white
sand. Flour Beach is the home to nesting green sea turtles and many
rays. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FAEyArEW9Fw/UClZrHpwVLI/AAAAAAAAA4w/qVsAK4ezt90/s1600/May+4+Floreana+Cormorant+Point+IMG_1633+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The View of Champion Islet and Pyramid Rock from Flour Beach on Floreana" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FAEyArEW9Fw/UClZrHpwVLI/AAAAAAAAA4w/qVsAK4ezt90/s200/May+4+Floreana+Cormorant+Point+IMG_1633+%25282%2529.JPG" title="The View of Champion Islet and Pyramid Rock from Flour Beach on Floreana" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The View of Champion Islet and Pyramid Rock<br />from Flour Beach on Floreana</b></td></tr>
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The view from Flour Beach is of Champion Islet and Pyramid Rock, other equally interesting islands and volcanic land masses. The contrast of colors, textures and wildlife on this one small island can be told only in the many photographs you will be sure to take.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tja_LirOS3k/UClZkRuMXtI/AAAAAAAAA4M/eH33WcCJyKQ/s1600/May+4+Floreana+Cormorant+Point+IMG_1627+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lava Lizard on Floreana, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tja_LirOS3k/UClZkRuMXtI/AAAAAAAAA4M/eH33WcCJyKQ/s200/May+4+Floreana+Cormorant+Point+IMG_1627+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Lava Lizard on Floreana, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Lava Lizard on Floreana</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UBp1j3UqitQ/UClZxj1irDI/AAAAAAAAA5I/6BTXGfyWFS8/s1600/May+4+Floreana+Cormorant+Point+IMG_1643+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Small Snail on the Rocky Soil on Floreana" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UBp1j3UqitQ/UClZxj1irDI/AAAAAAAAA5I/6BTXGfyWFS8/s200/May+4+Floreana+Cormorant+Point+IMG_1643+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Small Snail on the Rocky Soil on Floreana" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Small Snail on the Rocky Soil on Floreana</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tD5HWlHN61I/UClZhQJ7JDI/AAAAAAAAA4E/uZgPis4tzXk/s1600/May+4+Floreana+Cormorant+Point+IMG_1626+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Indigenous Trees on Floreana" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tD5HWlHN61I/UClZhQJ7JDI/AAAAAAAAA4E/uZgPis4tzXk/s200/May+4+Floreana+Cormorant+Point+IMG_1626+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Indigenous Trees on Floreana" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Indigenous Trees on Floreana</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EptCHFxcrL0/UClZm9Xh47I/AAAAAAAAA4c/zTBTBeAzXJY/s1600/May+4+Floreana+Cormorant+Point+IMG_1628+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Magnificent Vista from the Top of the Trail Between Cormorant Point and Flour Beach, Floreana, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EptCHFxcrL0/UClZm9Xh47I/AAAAAAAAA4c/zTBTBeAzXJY/s200/May+4+Floreana+Cormorant+Point+IMG_1628+%25282%2529.JPG" title="The Magnificent Vista from the Top of the Trail Between Cormorant Point and Flour Beach, Floreana, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Magnificent Vista from the Top of the Trail<br />Between Cormorant Point and Flour Beach</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zvMNYY0fcE4/UClZXm0aviI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/w_IwoNU9kF4/s1600/May+4+Floreana+Cormorant+Point+IMG_1619+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bird Life on Floreana Blending into the Environment" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zvMNYY0fcE4/UClZXm0aviI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/w_IwoNU9kF4/s200/May+4+Floreana+Cormorant+Point+IMG_1619+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Bird Life on Floreana Blending into the Environment" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Bird Life on Floreana Blending into the Environment</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Devil's Crown</b></span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y1pGzuJQwSc/UClhmwLsU5I/AAAAAAAAA6A/h92Ue5fl4Ec/s1600/devils-crown+from+galapagos+ocean+spray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Devil's Crown, Floreana, Galapagos" border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y1pGzuJQwSc/UClhmwLsU5I/AAAAAAAAA6A/h92Ue5fl4Ec/s200/devils-crown+from+galapagos+ocean+spray.jpg" title="Devil's Crown, Floreana, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Devil's Crown From the Ocean Spray Catamaran</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kfg5npe-t4/UCOfoP_wmGI/AAAAAAAAAw0/DHARW0L9IhI/s1600/Galapagos12+%25280001-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A Galapagos Penguin Greets Us on Floreana, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kfg5npe-t4/UCOfoP_wmGI/AAAAAAAAAw0/DHARW0L9IhI/s200/Galapagos12+%25280001-10.jpg" title="A Galapagos Penguin Greets Us on Floreana, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A Galapagos Penguin Greets Us</b></td></tr>
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Floreana is also the home of many scuba diving sites and several excellent snorkeling sites, the best known of which is Devil’s Crown. There is no landing on Devil’s Crown, which is an unusual underwater volcanic formation that quite literally looks like a crown jutting out of the ocean's surface. This submerged volcano has been transformed and eroded by the ocean into a series of jagged peaks. Both the bird and marine life here is quite lush. Encountering Nazca Boobies, pelicans, Red-billed tropic birds and frigate birds is typical. Less likely, but possible, is that you will see the endangered Floreana Mockingbird. Here too you might get to swim with sea lions, white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos Penguins, sea turtles and many species of tropical fish.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Additional Floreana Visitor Sites</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fJ6OBeucfhk/UClYt19XPqI/AAAAAAAAA2c/K2W4DA2STMI/s1600/Floreana+asilo_de_la_paz_foto_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Asilo de la Paz, Floreana, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fJ6OBeucfhk/UClYt19XPqI/AAAAAAAAA2c/K2W4DA2STMI/s200/Floreana+asilo_de_la_paz_foto_02.jpg" title="Asilo de la Paz, Floreana, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Asilo de la Paz<br />Photograph from National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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The Galapagos National Park Service lists additional visitor sites on Floreana as follows, but they are generally not on a cruise ship’s itinerary:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IXLEXbLQOuM/UClYuZii10I/AAAAAAAAA2k/bjHG938BplU/s1600/Floreana+caves+asilo_de_la_paz_foto_03+national+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Asilo de la Paz, Floreana, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IXLEXbLQOuM/UClYuZii10I/AAAAAAAAA2k/bjHG938BplU/s200/Floreana+caves+asilo_de_la_paz_foto_03+national+park.jpg" title="Asilo de la Paz, Floreana, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Caves at Asilo de la Paz<br />Photograph from National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Asilo de la Paz</span></b>: This is a 450 meter hill in the center of the agricultural area of Floreana, and is best known for its series of what are believed to have been pirate caves and a freshwater spring, neither of which are accessible. However, this is, notably, the source of fresh water for the island’s approximately 100 human inhabitants. Nearby is a nesting area for the Galapagos Petrel and a corral built by the National Park Service for housing endangered Galapagos tortoises.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-qTL_MEtQs/UClYvICWQvI/AAAAAAAAA2s/yvKKdWxkx20/s1600/floreana+cerro_alieri_vegetation+national+park+servicefoto_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cerro Alieri, Floreana, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-qTL_MEtQs/UClYvICWQvI/AAAAAAAAA2s/yvKKdWxkx20/s200/floreana+cerro_alieri_vegetation+national+park+servicefoto_02.jpg" title="Cerro Alieri, Floreana, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Cerro Alieri<br />Photograph from National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Cerro Alieri</span></b>: This is a ride and a walk to an altitude of 340 meters and suggested only for those really interested in the indigenous vegetation. The National Park Service calculates that of the 48 species it has identified at this location, 56% are native and 33% are endemic. The Cratericola Linum plant is a species that is critically endangered; only 40 individuals have been found, and they have not yet regenerated. This flora was believed extinct until 1997, when GNP and CDRS personnel rediscovered it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgYbLkktMpc/UClk1-pNXCI/AAAAAAAAA6o/3FjLSnV7tt8/s1600/mirador_de_la_baronesa_foto_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mirador de la Baronesa, Floreana, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgYbLkktMpc/UClk1-pNXCI/AAAAAAAAA6o/3FjLSnV7tt8/s200/mirador_de_la_baronesa_foto_02.jpg" title="Mirador de la Baronesa, Floreana, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mirador de la Baronesa<br />Photograph from National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Mirador de la Baronesa</span></b>: The hike to the top promises a beautiful panoramic vista of the coastline from the Enderby Islet to Post Office Bay, as well as Cerro Pajas, the pool of flamingos (Punta Cormorant), and an extensive forest of Palo Santo trees. On your panga ride to the site, be prepared for visits from golden eagle rays, sea lions, sea turtles, mullets and even some Galapagos penquins. This is also an excellent spot for taking a panga ride through the red mangrove swamps. The red mangrove is characterized by a hanging elongated fruit, which in reality is a new daughter plant that grows from the parent plant, a rarity in the plant kingdom. The red mangrove is a pioneer in the coasts and has a very hard and resistant wood.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s7QOcmJeEd4/UClhvi05KzI/AAAAAAAAA6I/K1urVcYMl6M/s1600/Floreana+from+wiki+commons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Floreana viewed from the Pacific Ocean" border="0" height="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s7QOcmJeEd4/UClhvi05KzI/AAAAAAAAA6I/K1urVcYMl6M/s200/Floreana+from+wiki+commons.jpg" title="Floreana viewed from the Pacific Ocean" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Floreana from Wiki Commons</b></td></tr>
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Snorkeling and scuba diving sites, in addition to Devil’s Crown, around Floreana include Caldwell Island, Islote Champion, Islote Enderby, Islote Gardner and Islote Watson.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-71266730998780865312016-02-28T10:25:00.001-06:002016-02-28T10:25:17.203-06:00Genovesa Island Visitor Sites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oS723oqmIaE/UDEG-oNv8wI/AAAAAAAAA_o/GO6OSbZTEDA/s1600/Genovesa+from+National+Park+Service.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Genovesa Island - Darwin Bay, Galapagos" border="0" height="217" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oS723oqmIaE/UDEG-oNv8wI/AAAAAAAAA_o/GO6OSbZTEDA/s400/Genovesa+from+National+Park+Service.jpg" title="Genovesa Island - Darwin Bay, Galapagos" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Genovesa Island - Darwin Bay<br />Photograph from Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQA4A29Ypyk/UDEKOZbVjwI/AAAAAAAABA4/S9BZ4sTZSBg/s1600/Genovesa+Great_Frigatebird_at_Genovesa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Male Galapagos Frigate Bird displaying his red chest to a female" border="0" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQA4A29Ypyk/UDEKOZbVjwI/AAAAAAAABA4/S9BZ4sTZSBg/s200/Genovesa+Great_Frigatebird_at_Genovesa.JPG" title="Male Galapagos Frigate Bird displaying his red chest to a female" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-InmfovW6hfw/UDEJ2uJmv7I/AAAAAAAABAw/mV3HpqKcxLI/s1600/Frigate-chick_in_nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Galapagos Frigate Bird Chick" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-InmfovW6hfw/UDEJ2uJmv7I/AAAAAAAABAw/mV3HpqKcxLI/s200/Frigate-chick_in_nest.jpg" title="Galapagos Frigate Bird Chick" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">The remote and isolated island of Genovesa is located on the north-east edge of the Galapagos archipelago. The fact of its remoteness contributes to its remaining among the most pristine of the islands, as well as one of the most coveted. Small, horseshoe shaped and precious in its unique blend of harsh volcanic terrain and natural beauty, it boasts a vast amount of birdlife; literally thousands of birds frequent this remote refuge and rely on it as their nesting site. While birdlife abounds, the island has no native land animals and no reptiles other than a small subspecies of marine iguana. Sea lions do lounge on the beaches. The pelagic birdlife that rely on Genovesa as a nesting site includes Frigatebirds, Red-Footed Boobies, Swallow-Tailed Gulls and Petrels by the thousands.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-21ytz895nKs/UDEMkOWpvtI/AAAAAAAABBI/I2YKRj9tK4s/s1600/Genovesa+Darwin+Bay+Sunset+credit+to+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Genovesa Darwin Bay at Sunset" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-21ytz895nKs/UDEMkOWpvtI/AAAAAAAABBI/I2YKRj9tK4s/s200/Genovesa+Darwin+Bay+Sunset+credit+to+.jpg" title="Genovesa Darwin Bay at Sunset" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Genovesa Darwin Bay at Sunset<br />Courtesy of Mountains of Travel Photos</b></td></tr>
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In my experience, most Galapagos visitors have been told by their travel agents and read in books and online that they will be dazzled by Genovesa, that it will be a “highlight” of their trip. In fact, many choose their itinerary based on the fact that Genovesa is included. So, their first glimpse of Genovesa from the cruise ship is likely to be surprisingly and unexpectedly underwhelming. This island is often shrouded in midst and, as its peak is only 250 feet above sea level and its total surface mass only 14 square miles, it is difficult to see. “What,” they may ask, “is the big deal?” All I can say is, “Get ready for this visual adventure and a photographer’s and bird lover’s dream.”<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Darwin Bay</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cL89riS_l6o/UDEG9PNttiI/AAAAAAAAA_I/Hglw4o5Ejyk/s1600/Genovesa+Nazca+Boobies+el_barranco+from+NPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nazca Boobies in mating dance Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="109" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cL89riS_l6o/UDEG9PNttiI/AAAAAAAAA_I/Hglw4o5Ejyk/s200/Genovesa+Nazca+Boobies+el_barranco+from+NPS.jpg" title="Nazca Boobies in mating dance Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Nazca Boobies<br />Photograph from National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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The dingy pulls in for a wet landing at the protected cove of Darwin Bay on an exquisite white sand beach. The Bay can be entered through only a narrow islet, essentially a break in the partially eroded crater of the volcano that formed the island originally. The beach is your first encounter with the variety of bird life that teems over this island. On any given morning the beach will be home to Nazca and Red-footed Boobies and colonies of Great Frigatebirds engaged in a mating dance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jf0iQoKr89o/UDEG-y1PznI/AAAAAAAAA_w/43jB8EPsCB4/s1600/Genovesa+tide+pools+from+NPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tidal Pools Adjacent to Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jf0iQoKr89o/UDEG-y1PznI/AAAAAAAAA_w/43jB8EPsCB4/s200/Genovesa+tide+pools+from+NPS.jpg" title="Tidal Pools Adjacent to Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tidal Pools Adjacent to Darwin Bay<br />Photograph from National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">Directly behind the beach is a short trail through mangrove trees to inland tidal pools and outcrops of black volcanic rock and salt bushes, home to Swallow-Tailed Gulls, Lava Gulls, Lava Herons, Ruddy Turnstones, Wandering Tattlers, Whimbrels, Galapagos Doves, Galapagos Mockingbirds and Fiddler Crabs. Less commonplace, but still present on Genovesa, are Yellow-Crowned and Night Herons as well as Galapagos Owls. Taken together, these birds can make quite a racket and the noise can be disconcerting if you aren’t expecting it. But listen carefully and soon you will hear the song that enchants this island.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7QUGDUC1KjA/UDEG9whJk4I/AAAAAAAAA_Y/o8oBrlsI7A8/s1600/Genovesa+cactus+wiki+Opuntia_helleri.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cactus on Genovesa, Galapagos" border="0" height="159" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7QUGDUC1KjA/UDEG9whJk4I/AAAAAAAAA_Y/o8oBrlsI7A8/s200/Genovesa+cactus+wiki+Opuntia_helleri.JPG" title="Cactus on Genovesa, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Cactus on Genovesa<br />Photograph from National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">To experience just a taste of the bird life on Genovesa, along with me teaching about the cactus on Genovesa, look at this video taken by Cindy Procter-King, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150772568687026" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>click here</b></a>. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2XgpQPTJFU/UDEE01xXESI/AAAAAAAAA-E/t2F0BAmFE-o/s1600/April+30+Sante+Fe+Island+IMG_1109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Galapagos Swallow-Tailed Gull Protecting Her Chick" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2XgpQPTJFU/UDEE01xXESI/AAAAAAAAA-E/t2F0BAmFE-o/s200/April+30+Sante+Fe+Island+IMG_1109.jpg" title="Galapagos Swallow-Tailed Gull Protecting Her Chick" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Swallow-Tailed Gull Protecting Her Chick</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MVoUQ9DV55c/UDEDxHVgzjI/AAAAAAAAA8U/IWd2CdltJEE/s1600/Genovesa_Island%252C_Galapagos_Islands%252C_Ecuador_-adult_and_chick-swallow+tail+gull_%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Galapagos Swallow-Tailed Gull Protecting Her Chick" border="0" height="130" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MVoUQ9DV55c/UDEDxHVgzjI/AAAAAAAAA8U/IWd2CdltJEE/s200/Genovesa_Island%252C_Galapagos_Islands%252C_Ecuador_-adult_and_chick-swallow+tail+gull_%25282%2529.jpg" title="Galapagos Swallow-Tailed Gull Protecting Her Chick" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Swallow-Tailed Gull with Her Chick</b></td></tr>
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A frequently-seen resident of this island is the Swallow-tailed Gull, with eyes ringed in red. This is another pelagic bird, meaning that it spends most of its life in flight and hunting over the open ocean, rather than on land. Pelagic birds typically land only for the purpose of mating, nesting and nurturing their young. This gull is not found exclusively on Genovesa, but you likely will find it here because of its preference to breed on the rocky shores and cliffs near the warmer waters found in the eastern islands. This gull is entirely nocturnal, the only one of that type in the world, and its favorite catch are the small squid and fish that rise to the ocean’s surface at night to feed on plankton. To see while hunting for food at night, the Swallow-tailed Gull's eyes are larger in size and volume than those of any other gull. Its eyes are distinguished by bright red rings circling them, believed to be another way of enhancing their night vision.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">El Barranca/Prince Philip’s Steps</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fSRkGZo3YE/UDEG-FJ948I/AAAAAAAAA_g/3LVw9_oxe-o/s1600/Genovesa+el_barranco+from+NPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Cliffs of Genovesa at Prince Philip's Steps" border="0" height="174" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fSRkGZo3YE/UDEG-FJ948I/AAAAAAAAA_g/3LVw9_oxe-o/s320/Genovesa+el_barranco+from+NPS.jpg" title="The Cliffs of Genovesa at Prince Philip's Steps" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Cliffs of Genovesa at Prince Philip's Steps<br />Photograph from National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qD9Cy61QWIg/UDEEMHVO-EI/AAAAAAAAA8s/m4Jk5Dd6SfI/s1600/Genovesa+Prince-Philips-steps+Wiki+Commons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ascending Prince Philip's Steps, Genovesa Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qD9Cy61QWIg/UDEEMHVO-EI/AAAAAAAAA8s/m4Jk5Dd6SfI/s200/Genovesa+Prince-Philips-steps+Wiki+Commons.jpg" title="Ascending Prince Philip's Steps, Genovesa Island, Galapagos" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ascending Prince Philip's Steps<br />Photograph National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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The other notable visitor site on Genovesa is El Barranca, otherwise known as Prince Philip’s Steps, located on the southern tip of the island. This is a dry landing onto a natural dock with a steep rock staircase leading to the flat top of the island. This is an extremely steep path, and the landing is somewhat challenging, but well worth the effort. The trail itself is beautiful, bird-filled and ends in a gorgeous vista.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9K05ojH8GRk/UDEFMFGaEUI/AAAAAAAAA-w/LFmliIU6dUU/s1600/galapagos12+%25280001-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Red Footed Boobie, Genovesa Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9K05ojH8GRk/UDEFMFGaEUI/AAAAAAAAA-w/LFmliIU6dUU/s200/galapagos12+%25280001-19.jpg" title="Red Footed Boobie, Genovesa Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Red-Footed Boobie<br />Photograph by Alex of Aquasurround</b></td></tr>
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The top of the steps is the nesting site of Red-footed Boobies (by some reports there are up to 140,000 pairs on Genovesa). Red-footed Boobies are the only Boobies that live in trees, specifically the Polo Santo trees along the cliff line. Like those of other boobies, their courtship rituals, which take place throughout the year, are comical. In fact, some believe that the name Boobie is derived from the Spanish word Bobo, meaning clown because of their unusual mating dance and their naivity as manifested in their landing on boats where they could easily be captured. Whatever the derivation of the name, the mating dance is a pleasure to watch and video. I’ve even had tour guests (their names will remain undisclosed) who created the most adorable Boobie dance of their own, though I don’t know if they used it for courting purposes!<br />
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These gregarious birds live in colonies and, during mating season, hundreds may gather to pair up and mate. Females lay only one egg every 15 months, and both parents care for chicks. Young mature slowly, but the low reproduction rate is balanced by these birds' long lifespan—over 20 years. Only the adults, not the baby chicks, have red feet.<br />
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Simply because you can NEVER see enough of these special birds here are some more photographs, all courtesy of Alex at AquaSurround of Germany. One thing I just love about these birds is how they blend and camouflage into their surroundings, except for those bright red feet.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TvTGzSMbJA8/UDEDx0bK92I/AAAAAAAAA8c/ZXfK1kyOQbY/s1600/Genovesa_red+footed+boobie+preening+with+nest+in+tree2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Red Footed Boobie, Genovesa Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="132" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TvTGzSMbJA8/UDEDx0bK92I/AAAAAAAAA8c/ZXfK1kyOQbY/s200/Genovesa_red+footed+boobie+preening+with+nest+in+tree2004.jpg" title="Red Footed Boobie, Genovesa Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vI6psIaVwXA/UDEEmFv1p4I/AAAAAAAAA9s/5Y59qJIlOSU/s1600/manu5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Red Footed Boobie, Genovesa Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vI6psIaVwXA/UDEEmFv1p4I/AAAAAAAAA9s/5Y59qJIlOSU/s200/manu5.jpg" title="Red Footed Boobie, Genovesa Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oekapC4pXlg/UDEDvulueRI/AAAAAAAAA78/de1utDd_nr0/s1600/Genovesa_Isla_Genovesa+frigate+bird+with+chick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Frigate Bird with Chick, Genovesa Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="148" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oekapC4pXlg/UDEDvulueRI/AAAAAAAAA78/de1utDd_nr0/s200/Genovesa_Isla_Genovesa+frigate+bird+with+chick.jpg" title="Frigate Bird with Chick, Genovesa Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Frigate Bird with Chick on Genovesa<br />Photo from Wiki Commons</b></span></td></tr>
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Likewise, Genovesa is the nesting site of the Great Frigatebirds; they create nests made of twigs placed as a platform in trees or tall bushes. There is another species of Frigatebird in the Galapagos, called the Magnificent Frigatebird, but that species does not nest on Genovesa because they feed in shallow water and Genovesa is surrounded by deep water.<br />
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Notably, Genovesa Island is the home of four separate finch species: the Large Ground Finch, the Sharp-beaked Ground Finch, the Large Cactus Finch and the Warbler Finch. All species have been extensively studied; <a href="http://www.esajournals.org/doi/abs/10.2307/2937257" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>an abstract of one study</b></span></a> is available for anyone interested in learning more. The species are distinguished by their beak styles, which translates into the way in which they forage for food and allow them all to survive by eating different kinds of plant life. The finches were the foremost catalyst for Darwin's theory on the Evolution of the Species and Survival of the Fittest.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oa7qv8Mz7rM/UDEJTLtvKlI/AAAAAAAABAo/iTY2gC_h2cQ/s1600/Genovesa+white_vented_storm_petrel+wiki+commons.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;"><img alt="Storm Petrels Near Genovesa Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oa7qv8Mz7rM/UDEJTLtvKlI/AAAAAAAABAo/iTY2gC_h2cQ/s200/Genovesa+white_vented_storm_petrel+wiki+commons.jpg" title="Storm Petrels Near Genovesa Galapagos Islands" width="133" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIIuI6N770g/UDEJS3q9pcI/AAAAAAAABAg/yCevD-yw2EY/s1600/Genovesa+storm+Petrel+wiki+Oceanites_oceanicusPCCA20070623-3634B.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Storm Petrels Near Genovesa Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIIuI6N770g/UDEJS3q9pcI/AAAAAAAABAg/yCevD-yw2EY/s200/Genovesa+storm+Petrel+wiki+Oceanites_oceanicusPCCA20070623-3634B.jpg" title="Storm Petrels Near Genovesa Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a><br />
The southeastern cliffs of Genovesa also are alive with one of island's largest colonies of petrels (up to 200,000 pairs), tiny, nocturnal birds that share the small point of land with their daylight-loving relatives, the delicate band-trumped petrels. And the Galapagos dove can be seen bobbing along under bushes and over the lava, looking for seeds.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Snorkeling Around Genovesa</span></h3>
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Bear in mind that here you are actually snorkeling inside of a volcano – that fact alone making this a life-changing experience. You might see groupers, jacks and barracuda, eagle rays, tunas and schools of smaller fish and sometimes mantas or hammerheads. Because of the steep underwater terrain of Genovesa, snorkeling and scuba-diving can be exciting and unique from other sites in the archipelago. Snorkelers that like to dive and can hold their breath for extended periods of time may see interesting bottom-dwellers, tropical fish found only in the northern archipelago, or even a hammerhead shark.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Cactus on Genovesa<br />Photograph by Alex of Aquasurround</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"> <b>View of Genovesa and Darwin Bay </b></span><b>Photograph by Adventure Associates </b></td></tr>
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I'd love for you to read two posts by my good friend and author Cindy Procter-King about her experience on <a href="http://networkedblogs.com/BVVhR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Genovesa</span></a>. Cindy is a terrific writer, very humorous and since she was a guest during one of my tours, you will even learn more about me. What a combination! Please enjoy.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-45550641097796730272016-02-28T10:24:00.001-06:002016-02-28T10:24:34.503-06:00Penguins on the Equator<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white;">One of the most fascinating marine creatures on the archipelago is the Galapagos Penguin. Aren’t penguins those cold-weather tuxedoed outdoorsmen who shield each other from the cold by forming tight groupings so only those on the outside of the circle are hit by the violent elements in Antarctica? Aren’t they the animals that get trapped below the ice? Don't they waver on the edges of ice flows waiting for the moment to jump into the frigid water to search for food? Yes, some penguins are – but not all.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZRU3zcCZAw/UVbeJFyUtLI/AAAAAAAADOM/-28QuH81nSg/s1600/Penguinos+Swimming+Harry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Penguins Swimming" border="0" height="132" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZRU3zcCZAw/UVbeJFyUtLI/AAAAAAAADOM/-28QuH81nSg/s200/Penguinos+Swimming+Harry.JPG" title="Penguins Swimming" width="200" /></a>Our islands are blessed to be the indigenous home of the Galapagos Penguin. This is the only species of penguin that lives above the Equator. They are able to do so because of the cool water temperatures that result from the <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/09/galapagos-island-geography-and-geology_1590.html" target="_blank">Cromwell Currents</a>. There are “warm water” Humboldt penguins along the coasts of continental Ecuador, Chile and Peru, but they do not go north of the Equator. <br />
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Called a banded penguin, the Galapagos Penguin would never be physically mistaken for the more familiar Antarctic penguins. First, our penguins are much smaller, just about 19 inches tall and about 5 ½ pounds; females are even smaller. The Galapagos Penguin has a black head with a white border behind the eye, around the black ears and chin, to join on the throat. They are blackish-grey on top and white on their bellies, and have two black bands across their breast and extending down to their thigh. The Galapagos Penguin is the third smallest species of penguin.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wo2-2-F_LUc/T-3Ar0oEh5I/AAAAAAAAANU/dFmcqHzK-Rg/s1600/Isabela-Island-Map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Maps of Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wo2-2-F_LUc/T-3Ar0oEh5I/AAAAAAAAANU/dFmcqHzK-Rg/s200/Isabela-Island-Map.jpg" title="Maps of Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="158" /></a></div>
While our penguins can be seen throughout the archipelago, 90-95% are found on Fernandina and Isabela Islands to the West. It’s on Isabela that they visit the northern hemisphere. Fortunately for me and my guests, as I guide, I’ve seen the penguins all over the archipelago. On two recent trips I saw penguins on Bartolome, one time a pair and the other about six standing in formation on the rocks near the water. (Some of the pictures on this blog are from Bartolome and provided courtesy of Aqua Surround.) We were especially lucky because there are believed to be only about 800 breeding pairs of Galapagos Penguins in the world so the population density outside of Fernandina and Isabela makes it very unique and even lucky to find them. <br />
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Penguins pair for life and breed with just one other penguin. Usually eggs are laid in rock-face crevices and caves, outside of direct sunshine, between May and January; when food is most abundant. Only two eggs are laid at a time and, because of food restrictions, even if both eggs hatch, only one chick will be nurtured. It takes only 38-40 days to incubate before the chicks are born. Both the male and female take care of newborn chicks; one is always left behind to care for the new babies when the other goes for nourishment. The chick is guarded for about 30 days after hatching. Then, it molts, gets adult feathers, and is on its own in about 60 to 65 days.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">The chicks, like their parents, blend with the hard rock surfaces on which they are born. But, instead of featuring black and white markings, they are brown above and white below with no black banded markings. The coloration, we believe, not only provides protection from hawks – their primary natural predator – but also from the hot sun. Other predators are crabs, snakes, owls and even the sea lions.</span><br />
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Our Galapagos Penguins tend to stay in the cool Pacific Water, fed by the Cromwell Current, during the day and return to the land at night. They feed on the multitude of small fish readily available near the shoreline, often sardines and mullet fish. Though they are clearly adapted to the hot sunshine, they do have to adjust their behavior to this equatorial environment. That explains why they stay in the water and close to the shore – so they can jump right in for a quick swim and cool down. On land, they also self-regulate their body temperature by keeping their feet out of the sun to prevent sunburned feet and by stretching out their flippers so that heat can escape through tiny arteries. They sometimes look comical in their movements when what they are actually doing is panting, using evaporation to cool the throat and airways.<br />
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We are always fearful for the future of the Galapagos Penguin as the population is so reduced. It is the rarest of all penguin species. The weather, a reduction in the number of small fish and human interference in the nature of fishing and boating have severely impacted the penguin numbers. By reducing the fish on which the Galapagos Penguins rely as their primary food source, El Nino severely drained the Galapagos Penguin population by about 70% in the last two decades. The fact that we now have less than 1000 breeding pairs is particularly striking since as recently as 1970, the population was estimated to be between 6,000 and 15,000 birds in the area we call the Galapagos Marine Reserve. In October 1997, the Charles Darwin Research Station conducted a census on all of the islands and recorded a total population of 883 adults, with 184 juveniles and 217 birds of indeterminate age. While that statistic is striking, it indicated a 27% increase in the population from that recorded in a 1996 census.<br />
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The Galapagos Penquin is a valuable and extremely precious member of the Galapagos eco-system. As a naturalist guide, it always brings joy when we see these special creatures on our adventures throughout the archipelago.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-74365971938471260082016-02-28T10:23:00.001-06:002016-03-18T13:11:14.813-06:00Galapagos Islands Geography and Geology - Part I - Tectonic Plates and Hot Spots Create Volcanic Islands<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Galapagos Islands<br />
The Newest Islands are the Most Westerly</b><br />
<b>The Oldest Islands are the Most Easterly</b></td></tr>
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This is the first of three <span style="font-size: small;">posts</span> about the geography and geology of the Galapagos Islands. Each post will take you on a short journey with the explicit intention of providing basic background information about the natural evolution of the Galapagos Islands. These remote islands, unlike anything else on our planet, have a dramatic and ever-changing morphography.<br />
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This article - Part One - focuses on the tectonic plates that lie beneath the sea and under the land. For, without the constant movement of the tectonic plates, their crashing into one another, forcing the hot magma to break through the lithosphere, there would be no Galapagos Islands at all. <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/09/galapagos-island-geography-and-geology_16.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Part Two</span></a> will discuss the actual formation of the islands from volcanic action that occurs when tectonic plates collide. Each and every one of the Galapagos Islands, their topography, the sheer cliffs that you see and that have become the nesting sites for birds and animal life found no where else on earth, the beautiful outcroppings, SCUBA sites, black sand beaches, crystalline beaches - all is the result of volcanic activity. Finally, in <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/09/galapagos-island-geography-and-geology_1590.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Part Three</span></a>, I will talk about the Pacific Ocean currents, particularly how the hot and cold currents impact and define the plant, animal, bird and marine life throughout the Galapagos.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pG4DL5Vj3yc/UEeGBbP89MI/AAAAAAAABv8/V1T1GKO62Jo/s1600/Harry+Bartholemew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Harry Jimenez, owner of the Galapagos Eco Lodge" border="0" height="162" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pG4DL5Vj3yc/UEeGBbP89MI/AAAAAAAABv8/V1T1GKO62Jo/s200/Harry+Bartholemew.jpg" title="Harry Jimenez, owner of the Galapagos Eco Lodge" width="200" /></a></div>
Before I begin, I want you to know what these Islands, the place I call Paradise, means to me. This is a very personal journey that I share with you in these pages. These enchanted islands have been my home and that of my family for three generations. They are, to me, a constant source of joy, mystery and delight. I have only one way to describe my connection, passion and commitment to the Galapagos Islands: I love it here. I love knowing that underneath the sea there is life and that life is what created the land in which I live. <br />
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Location of Galapagos Islands</b></td></tr>
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The Galapagos Islands are located in the eastern Pacific Ocean approximately 600 miles (1000 km) off the west coast of South America. The closest land mass is the mainland of Ecuador to the east. There are 13 major islands within the archipelago and hundreds of smaller land masses or rocky outcroppings. The Galapagos Archipelago consists of 4,897 square miles (7880 square km) of land over 28,000 square miles (45,000 square km). Only four islands are inhabited by humans and the total human population numbers about 30,000. The fewer the human inhabitants, the greater the likelihood that the endemic populations of animals, bird, marine life, flora and fauna will survive unaffected by non-natural phenomena. The Galapagos is a fragile environment and has seen encroachment from both expected (human) and unexpected (cats, goats) sources. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vjY6XjnqeaA/UEYw-p4LVoI/AAAAAAAABtM/JZ_Okx_DoRo/s1600/cerro+azul+eruption+from+earth-of-fire.over-blog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cerro Azul Volcano Eruption" border="0" height="131" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vjY6XjnqeaA/UEYw-p4LVoI/AAAAAAAABtM/JZ_Okx_DoRo/s200/cerro+azul+eruption+from+earth-of-fire.over-blog.com.jpg" title="Cerro Azul Volcano Eruption" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Cerro Azul Volcano Eruption<br />
Photograph from Earth-of-Fire.over-blog.com</b></td></tr>
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One of the most fascinating aspects of the Galapagos Islands is, to me, their geological formation. This is an area I particularly enjoy explaining and teaching to my groups because the changes are continuing to happen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-roEczOZ1qtg/T_6lpIy_STI/AAAAAAAAAaU/9DtsB3tR9sM/s1600/May+3+Espagnola+Suarez+Point+Blow+Hole+IMG_1569+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Ever-Changing Sea at Suarez Point on Espanola Island" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-roEczOZ1qtg/T_6lpIy_STI/AAAAAAAAAaU/9DtsB3tR9sM/s200/May+3+Espagnola+Suarez+Point+Blow+Hole+IMG_1569+%25282%2529.JPG" title="The Ever-Changing Sea at Suarez Point on Espanola Island" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Ever-Changing Sea at Suarez Point<br />
on Espanola Island</b></td></tr>
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When we look at the sea, we observe it moving, changing, ebbing, flowing. We watch birds floating across the sky, ever in flight, ceaseless in their energy. The sea lions, even when lazing on the shore, are moving, restless, playful, changing. The tortoises wend their way slowly and solemnly from place to place - still moving and evolving. So are the multitudes of other animals, birds and sea life that we encounter every day on our quest and journey for adventure and knowledge in the Galapagos Islands.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-feoAu8RNTxI/UEYyiXgVFPI/AAAAAAAABtU/yIPsfcBAcCY/s1600/Rabida_Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rabida Island Arising Directly from the Sea" border="0" height="98" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-feoAu8RNTxI/UEYyiXgVFPI/AAAAAAAABtU/yIPsfcBAcCY/s200/Rabida_Island.jpg" title="Rabida Island Arising Directly from the Sea" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rabida Island Arising Directly from the Sea</b> </td></tr>
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Though we may not experience that same shifting energy when we are standing on a land mass that seems solid under our feet, that experience is merely a false sense of security. In truth the Earth underneath our feet is varying, moving, yielding, stretching, rising, falling, changing temperature and growing. Nature is not stationary, but active and dynamic. The Galapagos Islands are as vibrant and forceful under their surface as on the surface itself. When we talk together about this magnificent phenomenon, our eyes are opened again to something new and wondrous.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6HI2_U3y3ZM/UEYmef6pRoI/AAAAAAAABrM/BMtTS3fLmXk/s1600/map+from+jungle+photos.com+isabela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Isabela with its Six Volcanos and Fernandina Island The Youngest Most Western Islands" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6HI2_U3y3ZM/UEYmef6pRoI/AAAAAAAABrM/BMtTS3fLmXk/s200/map+from+jungle+photos.com+isabela.jpg" title="Isabela with its Six Volcanos and Fernandina Island The Youngest Most Western Islands" width="158" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Isabela with its Six Volcanos and<br />
Fernandina Island<br />
The Youngest Most Western Islands</b></td></tr>
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Each major island, with the exceptions of Isabela and San Cristobal, was formed from a single volcanic eruption. Isabela represents the union between six different underwater volcanoes, all connected on the Pacific Ocean floor. (Read my post about <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/10/isabela-island-visitor-sites-part-iii.html" target="_blank">hiking these dynamic volcanoes here</a>.) Explained simply, throughout the area known as the Galapagos Islands' Land Reserves and Marine Reserves, monitored and overseen by the Galapagos National Park Service, the sea floor bubbled up and erupted forming volcanic land masses above the surface of the water. These land masses formed the Galapagos archipelago. Why the sea floor erupted and formed the islands is described by the movement of the tectonic plates.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LgcPnCXKdE/UEeAji6vseI/AAAAAAAABu8/qmA-1ZPA-GM/s1600/Tectonic_plates+cropped.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="tectonic plate map of Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="143" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LgcPnCXKdE/UEeAji6vseI/AAAAAAAABu8/qmA-1ZPA-GM/s200/Tectonic_plates+cropped.jpeg" title="tectonic plate map of Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">From wikipedia.en, retrieved from USGS site<br />
http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/slabs.html</span></b></td></tr>
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The theory of plate tectonics explains the process that created these remarkable Islands. The earth’s crust is formed by huge plates that move slowly but inexorably against one another at a rate of about 5 centimeters a year. When plates moving in opposite directions collide, the land rises up and forms a new mass. This process occurs in various places throughout the world. The Galapagos lie in the area where the Nazca plate (moving east-southeast) and the South American Plate (to the west) and Cocos Plate (to the north) engage in a challenging process of passing under and above one another. At the point of merger, huge submarine mountain ranges are built. The denser plate pushes from underneath and, ultimately, upward through the upper crust (the lithosphere), forming a mountainous ridge. It is at this location that magma occurs and a volcano erupts at what is known as a hot spot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1awQ4-ZnAY/UAqowMtzCdI/AAAAAAAAAeU/mVfmn_CS1_8/s1600/Darwinarch+wiki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Darwin's Arch Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1awQ4-ZnAY/UAqowMtzCdI/AAAAAAAAAeU/mVfmn_CS1_8/s200/Darwinarch+wiki.jpg" title="Darwin's Arch Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Darwin's Arch</b><br />
<b>Photograph by Aqua Surround</b> </td></tr>
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A hot spot is an area of intense heat within the Earth’s core. The eruptions that created the Galapagos Islands occurred millions of years ago and continue to occur even today at the hot spot locations. A hot spot is the location where magma burns through the earth’s mantle to reach the surface. In the case of each of the Galapagos islands (as well as hundreds of identifiable rock upcroppings that are now majestic tourist sites for photography, contemplation, SCUBA diving and snorkeling), the magma pushed through the crust on the ocean floor. Because this occurred underwater, the magma cooled quickly and started forming a land mass, at first under the sea. The process repeated and repeated until, over time, the built up material emerged above the surface of the ocean. The magma forced its way to the surface through successive eruptions over hundreds of thousands of years. In this manner, a land mass and, eventually, an island was formed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3WlMIS0dYhI/UEeDzhYHZFI/AAAAAAAABvk/WZmSjDQUmwo/s1600/Galapagos12+(0001-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Volcanic Evidence at Bartolome Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3WlMIS0dYhI/UEeDzhYHZFI/AAAAAAAABvk/WZmSjDQUmwo/s200/Galapagos12+(0001-7.jpg" title="Volcanic Evidence at Bartolome Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Volcanic Evidence at Bartolome<br />
Photography by Aqua Surround</b></td></tr>
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Conceptually, the plates move above the hot spots, but the hot spots themselves do not move at all - they are stationary. This suggests, and the geology of the Galapagos Islands proves, that the process repeats itself each time the plates collide over a hot spot, eventually forming a chain of volcanoes of different ages. The plates collide and move eastward. The hot spots now have a different area of the ocean or of earth above them. Thus, each volcano’s size and location within a chain reveals the age of the land mass and how long it remained over the hot spot. A volcano remains active (as opposed to extinct) for as long as it is above the hot spot. If the plate shifts, the original volcano moves away in an easterly direction and becomes inactive because it is no longer near the hot spot. Eventually, the hot spot will again erupt, forming a new volcano. The hot spot that formed all of the islands within the Galapagos archipelago started out by creating our eastern-most islands like San Cristobal. Now it is now located near Fernandina and Isabela. The hot spot is estimated to be about 100 miles wide. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v6AcGE4ynb0/UEYvLZYOM1I/AAAAAAAABss/PocBtHQzu-w/s1600/Copy+of+galapagos12+(0001-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kicker Rock, located in the east near San Cristobal" border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v6AcGE4ynb0/UEYvLZYOM1I/AAAAAAAABss/PocBtHQzu-w/s200/Copy+of+galapagos12+(0001-3.jpg" title="Kicker Rock, located in the east near San Cristobal" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kicker Rock, l</b><b>ocated in the east near San Cristobal,</b><br />
<b>is no longer over a hot spot</b><br />
<b>Photograph by Aqua Surround</b></td></tr>
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As the islands move away from the hot spot, or volcanic plume, the volcano from which the land mass was generated becomes extinct, meaning that it no longer erupts, but the land mass and evidence of earlier volcanic activity remain. Cooling and contraction follow extinction. Scientists have found evidence of land masses within the archipelago that are now totally resubmerged into the sea. It’s speculated that the hot spots beneath the Galapagos may be 90 million years old. This fact, of course, is fundamental to our ultimate understanding of origin and evolution as informed by the Islands as a whole.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8UTavWWSi-o/UEeEeN3ov7I/AAAAAAAABvs/UoJcRkVlnxw/s1600/playa_tortuga_negra_foto_05NPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Playa Tortuga Negra at Sunset on Isabela Island" border="0" height="109" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8UTavWWSi-o/UEeEeN3ov7I/AAAAAAAABvs/UoJcRkVlnxw/s200/playa_tortuga_negra_foto_05NPS.jpg" title="Playa Tortuga Negra at Sunset on Isabela Island" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Playa Tortuga Negra at Sunset on Isabela Island<br />
Photograph from Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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The oldest islands in the Galapagos, those that have moved furthest away from the plume or hot spot, are the most eastern. The oldest island is Espanola. Fernandina and Isabela - to the west - are the youngest. Still even Espanola is relatively young in geological Earth ages; it is only 3.3 millions years old. Most of the Galapagos is less than 1,000,000 years old and Fernandina, the youngest, has been around for only 500,000 years. The most recent eruption on Isabela was in 2005 and on Fernandina was in 2009.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayaE4edCH14/UEYwdXfDGtI/AAAAAAAABtE/u2A_fmrIFnk/s1600/Alcedo_volcano+NASA+Science+Photo+Library+from+sciencephoto.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Alcedo Volcano, Isabela Island Galapagos" border="0" height="135" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayaE4edCH14/UEYwdXfDGtI/AAAAAAAABtE/u2A_fmrIFnk/s200/Alcedo_volcano+NASA+Science+Photo+Library+from+sciencephoto.com.jpg" title="Alcedo Volcano, Isabela Island Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Alcedo Volcano from Science Photo Library</b></td></tr>
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Visitors to Isabela will see steam rising from its active volcanic cores. Today’s most active volcanoes are on Fernandina, Isabela, Pinta and Marchena. When you walk on the islands, you can readily detect their relative ages by the degree of erosion on the surface of the island. The trails on the eastern islands are generally much smoother than those to the west as they have seen more erosion caused by wind, water, animals and humans.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NhXHl061ETQ/UEYzXbSNPII/AAAAAAAABtc/NMaH1EB48R4/s1600/Chico+Volcano+2+CC+Flurdy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Volcan Chico Isabela Island Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NhXHl061ETQ/UEYzXbSNPII/AAAAAAAABtc/NMaH1EB48R4/s200/Chico+Volcano+2+CC+Flurdy.jpg" title="Volcan Chico Isabela Island Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Volcan Chico<br />
from Creative Commons by Flurdy</b></td></tr>
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The Galápagos Islands are wondrous and beautiful. They are enchanting, engrossing and ever-changing. They offer a dream landscape for photographers, a world of thoughts for poets and an immersion into a wonderland for everyone who visits them. But perhaps most of all, they epitomize a microcosm of Earth's recycling of itself through the birth of volcanoes, growth through eruptions, and death by gradual erosion into the sea. When you place yourself and your mind in the midst of this beauty and drama, try to close your eyes and imagine the world beneath your feet as well. It too is beautiful, dynamic, and evolving.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q6XN-_Fqf8/UEiLsu4ABRI/AAAAAAAAB5c/AtD_3WDS-go/s1600/plate+tectonics+from+national+geographic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Plate Tectonic Activity and lava flow" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q6XN-_Fqf8/UEiLsu4ABRI/AAAAAAAAB5c/AtD_3WDS-go/s200/plate+tectonics+from+national+geographic.jpg" title="Plate Tectonic Activity and lava flow" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Plate Tectonic Activity<br />
Photograph from National Geographic Library</b></td></tr>
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Plate tectonics is the unifying theory of geology that describes and explains that all earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain-building processes are caused by the gradual movement of rigid slabs of rock, called plates, that make up the Earth's surface layer. Tectonic plates are not just theoretically important. Tectonic activity recycles the material of the Earth. Plate movement keeps the Earth ever-changing and from stagnation. Tectonics creates heat - the very heat necessary to recycle life as we know it. Tectonics creates new surfaces on the earth. It creates opportunities for new plant and animal life. Tectonics is the most elemental geological concept to understanding not only the Galapagos Islands, but, in many respects, the essence of what keeps our planet alive. For more beautiful examples of what plate tectonics does to the earth, take a look at the <a href="http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/photos/plate-tectonics-gallery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">National Geographic Photograph library</a>.<br />
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To learn more about the Galapagos Islands, there is no better source than the BBC's series called <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzWBqrd5l6Y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Born of Fire</a>, three videos available on Youtube. I sincerely recommend them to anyone who seeks an awe-inspiring view of my home - the Galapagos Islands.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-15112221101136986832016-02-28T10:21:00.001-06:002016-03-19T05:06:48.133-06:00Galapagos Islands Geography and Geology - Part II - Galapagos Volcanoes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iq8bk194iLE/UEeS0RHr1sI/AAAAAAAABxc/Iz_82r84KzI/s1600/volcano+map+from+ecuador.us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Map Showing Galapagos Islands' Volcanoes" border="0" height="218" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iq8bk194iLE/UEeS0RHr1sI/AAAAAAAABxc/Iz_82r84KzI/s320/volcano+map+from+ecuador.us.jpg" title="Map Showing Galapagos Islands' Volcanoes" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Map Showing Galapagos Islands' Volcanoes<br />
from ecuador.us</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLvshmr4AG4/UEetuW9QDVI/AAAAAAAAB2U/4XzLLQSTxes/s1600/Galapagos12+(0001-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Shield Volcano, Rugged Lava Rock, Lava Cactus, Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLvshmr4AG4/UEetuW9QDVI/AAAAAAAAB2U/4XzLLQSTxes/s320/Galapagos12+(0001-36.jpg" title="Shield Volcano, Rugged Lava Rock, Lava Cactus, Galapagos Islands" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><b>Shield Volcano, Rugged Lava Rock, Lava Cactus<br />
Photograph taken by Aqua Surround</b></td></tr>
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This is the second of three posts about the geography and geology of the Galapagos Islands. In <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/09/galapagos-island-geography-and-geology.html/galapagos-island-geography-and-geology_1590.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Part One</span></a> I talked about the tectonic plates that lie beneath the sea and under the land and explained that without the constant movement of the tectonic plates, their crashing into one another, forcing the hot magma to break through the lithosphere, there would be no Galapagos Islands at all. Here, in Part Two, I discuss the actual formation of the islands from volcanic action that occurs when tectonic plates collide. Each and every one of the Galapagos Islands, their topography, the sheer cliffs that you see and that have become the nesting sites for bird and animal life found no where else on earth, the beautiful outcroppings, marine life, SCUBA sites, black sand beaches, crystalline beaches - all result from volcanic activity. This post should leave you with a clearer understanding of the earth beneath your feet as you stand and examine and feel your environment in the Galapagos Islands. Finally, in <a href="http://galapagosecolodge.blogspot.com/2012/09/galapagos-island-geography-and-geology_16.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Part Three</span></a>, I will talk about the Pacific Ocean currents, particularly how the hot and cold currents impact and define the plant, animal, bird and marine life throughout the Galapagos.<br />
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These remote islands, unlike anything else on our planet, have a dramatic and ever-changing morphography. To give you some perspective on just how dazzling and singular these islands are, I want to share with you NASA's breath taking satellite video. Starting in deepest space, it gradually brings the Galapagos Islands into focus. You will see the entire island system, then a "fly by" of each individual island and its volcanoes before the satellite takes you back into outer space. What an amazing perspective this is!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pG4DL5Vj3yc/UEeGBbP89MI/AAAAAAAABv8/V1T1GKO62Jo/s1600/Harry+Bartholemew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Harry Jimenez, owner of Galapagos Eco Lodge" border="0" height="162" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pG4DL5Vj3yc/UEeGBbP89MI/AAAAAAAABv8/V1T1GKO62Jo/s200/Harry+Bartholemew.jpg" title="Harry Jimenez, owner of Galapagos Eco Lodge" width="200" /></a></div>
As I did in Part One, I want to remind you of why I write these posts - what drives me and compels me. It's a very personal journey that I take with you in these pages. These enchanted islands have been my home and that of my family for three generations. They are, to me, a constant source of joy, mystery and delight. From childhood, I recognized that I live in a wondrous and unique place. It is a place I love to share with my guests and, through this blog, have a chance to share with you. <br />
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In the Galapagos Islands, each and every land mass that you see - an island, a rock outcrop, a sheer cliff arising from the water as if it were a searing monolith, came from a fire - from a volcano. But, perhaps, these volcanoes are different from what typically comes to mind.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w53b8HKP_-A/UEY5HJPej7I/AAAAAAAABuE/S9FSghSQKsY/s1600/800px-MSH82_st_helens_plume_from_harrys_ridge_05-19-82.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mt. St. Helens" border="0" height="135" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w53b8HKP_-A/UEY5HJPej7I/AAAAAAAABuE/S9FSghSQKsY/s200/800px-MSH82_st_helens_plume_from_harrys_ridge_05-19-82.jpg" title="Mt. St. Helens" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mt. St. Helens<br />
Photograph from Wikipedia</b></td></tr>
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What do you think of when you think of a volcano? Perhaps, like many people, you think of Mount St. Helens, Mount Etna or Mount Vesuvius spewing forth deadly molten lava high into the sky, which then flows like fire down the sides of the mountain devastating and destroying everything in its wake. These are all stratovolanos volcanoes and characterized by a steep mountain-like profile and periodic explosive eruptions. They are nothing like the volcanoes of the Galapagos Islands.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwTNIUwxlbA/UEY5-zJEbLI/AAAAAAAABuM/D1A925HFTdA/s1600/isabela+puntamoreno+great+landscape+with+shield+volcano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Isabela Island with Sierra Negra Volcano in Background" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwTNIUwxlbA/UEY5-zJEbLI/AAAAAAAABuM/D1A925HFTdA/s200/isabela+puntamoreno+great+landscape+with+shield+volcano.jpg" title="Isabela Island with Sierra Negra Volcano in Background" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Isabela Island with Sierra Negra Volcano in Background<br />
Photograph from Galapagos National Park</b></td></tr>
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The activity here, though equally dynamic, generally is not so dramatic. The formation of the volcanic Galapagos Islands requires study of other types of volcanic action, action that is less obvious and outwardly vivid because it does not take place on the top of a mountain, but underneath the ocean surface and deep beneath the Earth's crust. As I described fully in Part One, the Galapagos Islands were formed as a result of the phenomenal action of the moving tectonic plates over the hot spots. Everywhere you look, every sight you see, every rock, cove, island, and natural formation has been created by underwater volcanic activity and the sea’s constant movement and impact on the resultant geological formations. The result is a harsh rock-based morphography that is hostile to many living things, both plant and animal.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LgcPnCXKdE/UEeAji6vseI/AAAAAAAABu8/qmA-1ZPA-GM/s1600/Tectonic_plates+cropped.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tectonic Plates Map Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="143" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LgcPnCXKdE/UEeAji6vseI/AAAAAAAABu8/qmA-1ZPA-GM/s200/Tectonic_plates+cropped.jpeg" title="Tectonic Plates Map Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tectonic Plates Map<br />
from pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/slabs.html</b></td></tr>
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To summarize, the ocean floor is rock and a mantle plume is a column of hot rock (called a hot spot), deep within the earth. The heated rock is lighter and less dense than the rock surrounding it, so it pushes through the crust and displaces it. This happens at a rate of about 5 cm a year. As the mantle plume rises, one small eruption and accumulation after another, it forces its way to the surface. Successive eruptions resulting in a build up of material over hundreds of thousands of years produce a volcanic island. Visualize, at first, a small mound of lava hardening under the sea. Then see that as the lava builds on top and accumulates, ever so gradually, the mound becomes bigger and taller until it can be seen above the ocean surface. That is the moment when a new island is created. The hot spots stay in one place, but the tectonic plates keep moving. As the mound is carried by the tectonic plate away from the hot spot, volcanic activity stops. The volcanic land mass has an opportunity to cool and contract. Then the slow process of erosion by land and sea occurs, and once again, the mound – ever so gradually – returns to the sea. The island becomes extinct. However, a new island begins to form in the location of the stationary hot spot.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X7bPOFrSI_Q/UEePG5UlBPI/AAAAAAAABwo/6TsSXu5zmoc/s1600/May+3+Espagnola+Albatross+and+BoobiesIMG_1514+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Espanola Island Land of Blue Boobies and Albatross" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X7bPOFrSI_Q/UEePG5UlBPI/AAAAAAAABwo/6TsSXu5zmoc/s200/May+3+Espagnola+Albatross+and+BoobiesIMG_1514+(2).JPG" title="Espanola Island Land of Blue Boobies and Albatross" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Espanola Island<br />
Land of Blue Boobies and Albatross</b></td></tr>
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In this manner a chain of volcanic islands is formed. In the case of the Galapagos Islands, the oldest visible island is Espanola. As the oldest and most southeastern island, it was formed 3-5 million years ago and its volcano has been extinct for several million years. Like Santa Fe Island to its north and west, Espanola is a remnant of an extinct volcano. Much of these two islands have already eroded. For more information on Espanola Island see my posts about <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/07/espanola-island-punta-suarez_21.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Punta Suarez</span></a> and <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/07/espanola-island-gardner-bay_21.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Gardner Bay</span></a>.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-natmxUow1eE/UEeuZef7h6I/AAAAAAAAB2c/oGn6IH4SouY/s1600/pinzon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pinzon Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-natmxUow1eE/UEeuZef7h6I/AAAAAAAAB2c/oGn6IH4SouY/s200/pinzon.jpg" title="Pinzon Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pinzon Island<br />
Photograph by Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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Likewise, Pinzon and Rabida - small locales in the middle of the archipelago - have been extinct for about one million years. But, scientists have discovered an 8 million year old area in the eastern most part of the Galapagos that was once an island but is now 1500 meters below sea level as a result of erosion.<br />
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In contrast, Fernandina, the youngest and most western island, is just about 1 million years old.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5sPy1xOeu3I/UEepN4ehccI/AAAAAAAAB1M/846edqXmAnw/s1600/Santa+Cruz+from+volcano.si.edu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Santa Cruz Island" border="0" height="132" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5sPy1xOeu3I/UEepN4ehccI/AAAAAAAAB1M/846edqXmAnw/s200/Santa+Cruz+from+volcano.si.edu.jpg" title="Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Santa Cruz Island<br />
from Volcano.si.edu</b></td></tr>
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The “middle aged” volcanic islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal are still considered by scientists to be active, but barely, and they have evidenced no eruptions in many years. In this photograph, the broad shield volcano forming Santa Cruz Island is seen from its northern coast. The oval-shaped, 32 x 40 km wide island is capped by cinder cones with well-preserved craters that largely bury a shallow summit caldera.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t4q_mb57_58/UEeUce9vSjI/AAAAAAAABx0/L71IF5M5rKw/s1600/Cerro+Azul+lava+flows+in+2008+from+AFP.google.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cerro Azul on Isabela Erupting" border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t4q_mb57_58/UEeUce9vSjI/AAAAAAAABx0/L71IF5M5rKw/s200/Cerro+Azul+lava+flows+in+2008+from+AFP.google.com.jpg" title="Cerro Azul on Isabela Erupting" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Cerro Azul on Isabela Erupting<br />
from AFP.google.com</b></td></tr>
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Interestingly, the Galapagos Islands are one of the Earth’s most active volcanic areas and more than 200 eruptions have occurred in the last 200 years. Six volcanoes remain active on the western islands - 1 on Fernandina and 5 on Isabela. The most recent eruptions occurred at Cerro Azul on Isabela in 2008 and Volcan Cumbre on Fernandina in 2009. Historic eruptions have occurred on many of the Galapagos volcanoes, including Fernandina, Volcan Wolf, Alcedo, Sierra Negra, Cerro Azul, Santiago, Pinta, Floreana, and Marchena. Eruptions in the recent geologic past (the last 10,000 years or so) have also occurred on Volcan Darwin, Volcan Ecuador, Genovesa, San Cristobal, and Santa Cruz. A number of submarine volcanoes many have also been active in this time.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ty<span style="font-size: large;">pes of Galapagos Island Volcano<span style="font-size: large;">es</span></span></b></span><br />
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There are three basic forms of volcanoes: stratovolano, cinder cone and shield. The Galapagos Islands are primarily shield volcanoes that have taken two distinct shapes. First are those islands that have the typical shield volcano geological formation. The others are large volcanoes that started as shield volcanoes but have, over time, taken on the appearance of inverted soup bowls with deep calderas.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Shield Volcanoes</span></h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrW_Kp_NY3I/UEeU-N1qETI/AAAAAAAABx8/N1DIZowQlGc/s1600/fernandina+la+cumbra+erupts+from+NPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="La Cumbra on Fernandina Erupts in 2009" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrW_Kp_NY3I/UEeU-N1qETI/AAAAAAAABx8/N1DIZowQlGc/s200/fernandina+la+cumbra+erupts+from+NPS.jpg" title="La Cumbra on Fernandina Erupts in 2009" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>La Cumbra on Fernandina Erupts in 2009<br />
Photograph from National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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Most of the Galapagos Island volcanoes are known as shield volcanoes. Lava deposits over time create a volcano, as described above. In the case of a shield volcano, instead of erupting from the central vent and shooting high into the atmosphere as a stratovolanos volcano (like Mt. Etna), the magma pours out in all directions and the flow is adequately hot and fluid that it flows out and downward to form a gentle sloping cone of flat domelike shape. There is a steady accumulation of broad sheets of lava. The name “shield volcano” is derived from the image of a warrior's shield.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JGaaqrPvdWY/UEebHUV8C2I/AAAAAAAABzA/T9BfkxXPGow/s1600/Wolf+by+Acme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Volcan Wolf Shield Volcano" border="0" height="138" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JGaaqrPvdWY/UEebHUV8C2I/AAAAAAAABzA/T9BfkxXPGow/s200/Wolf+by+Acme.jpg" title="Volcan Wolf Shield Volcano" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Volcan Wolf Shield Volcano<br />
Photograph from Creative Commons by Acme</b></td></tr>
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Isabela Island, which is the largest of the Galapagos Islands, is actually the result of six shield volcanoes fusing together under the ocean surface. Isabela’s six shield volcanoes have resulted in the island’s distinctive sea horse shape. The volcanoes that form Isabela are Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf. With the exception of Ecuador, all are still active. Fumes continue to rise from Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xuP7n899gcY/UEedx8OoFRI/AAAAAAAABz8/tlD2snz9C1o/s1600/San+cristobal+from+Ed+Vicenzi+of+Smithsonian+on+volcano.si.edu+site.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="San Cristobal - a fusion of about four volcanos in the Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xuP7n899gcY/UEedx8OoFRI/AAAAAAAABz8/tlD2snz9C1o/s200/San+cristobal+from+Ed+Vicenzi+of+Smithsonian+on+volcano.si.edu+site.jpg" title="San Cristobal - a fusion of about four volcanos in the Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>San Cristobal - a fusion of about four volcanos<br />
Photograph by Ed Vicenzi of Smithsonian Institution</b></td></tr>
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The islands of San Cristobal, Sante Fe, Santa Cruz and Santiago all are identifiable as shield volcanoes. San Cristobal is a magnificent and varied destination because its topography resulted from the fusion of at least four separate volcanoes. As a result it is one of the most diverse and interesting islands with many very special and dramatic visitor sites both on the island itself and around the island. I have written several posts about San Cristobal: <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/07/kicker-rock-near-san-cristobal-island_22.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Kicker Rock</span></a>, Visitor Sites <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/07/san-cristobal-island-visitor-sites_26.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">on San Cristobal Island</span></a> itself, and Visitor Sites <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/07/san-cristobal-island-nearby-visitor_29.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">nearby the island of San Cristobal</span></a>.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Large Volcanoes with Deep Calderas</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xSZuLMvZu6w/UEelsKtCY7I/AAAAAAAAB00/bXsADJnP038/s1600/Darwin+from+volcano.si.edu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Volcan Darwin Shield Volcano on Isabela, Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="135" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xSZuLMvZu6w/UEelsKtCY7I/AAAAAAAAB00/bXsADJnP038/s200/Darwin+from+volcano.si.edu.jpg" title="Volcan Darwin Shield Volcano on Isabela, Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Volcan Darwin Shield Volcano on Isabela<br />
from Volcano.si.edu</b></td></tr>
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Some of the Galapagos Island volcanoes have the appearance of inverted soup bowls, with large indentations in the middle. These indentations, known as calderas, are usually formed by the collapse of land after the volcano erupts. When the magma pours out of the earth from beneath the crust, an empty area or pocket is created where the magma was once beneath the surface. Naturally, surface rock is heavier than the pocket so the crust collapses into it in a ring shape, causing the geological formation known as a caldera. First the center collapses, then the sides fall in around it, resulting in the inverted soup bowl morphology.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBYZisZyWkI/UEekmdNixiI/AAAAAAAAB0s/tUtQbKLhywI/s1600/Fernandina+erupts+2009+from+earth+observatory+NASA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fernandina Eruption Satellite photograph on Isabela, Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="123" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBYZisZyWkI/UEekmdNixiI/AAAAAAAAB0s/tUtQbKLhywI/s200/Fernandina+erupts+2009+from+earth+observatory+NASA.jpg" title="Fernandina Eruption Satellite photograph on Isabela, Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Fernandina Eruption Satellite Photograph<br />
from Earth Observatory NASA 2009</b></td></tr>
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Though not the only, Fernandina Island may be the most dramatic, example of this volcanic formation within the archipelago. Its caldera is relatively large in comparison to the size of the volcano itself. Fernandina’s caldera is over 1100 feet deep and in the past sometimes contained a small lake. Fernandina has erupted 24 times since 1813. In 1968, after a brief eruption, a large part of Fernandina’s northern caldera wall collapsed. Fernandina erupted again in 1988, collapsing part of the southeast caldera and depositing a 250 meter thick pile of debris at its base and into the lake, which then disappeared. Fernandina also erupted in 1991, 1995, 2005 and 2009. For more information about <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/08/fernandina-island-espinosa-point-and_9.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Fernandina</span></a>, visit my post about the island and its remarkable visitor sites.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TaEksp2w-lU/UEenHIgrtxI/AAAAAAAAB08/zL83xLJA1tg/s1600/Marchena+Google+Earth+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Google Earth Satellite Picture of Marchena's Caldera" border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TaEksp2w-lU/UEenHIgrtxI/AAAAAAAAB08/zL83xLJA1tg/s200/Marchena+Google+Earth+picture.jpg" title="Google Earth Satellite Picture of Marchena's Caldera" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Google Earth Satellite Picture of Marchena's Caldera</b></td></tr>
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Marchena and Genovesa are also examples of caldera volcanoes. Marchena's caldera is one of the largest in the Islands, but it is nearly filled with lava. In contrast to other Galápagos volcanoes, the 6 x 7 km caldera and its outer flanks have been largely buried by a cluster of pyroclastic cones and associated lava flows. Its last recorded eruption was in 1991. Other young lava flows, some of which may be no more than a several hundred years old, filled the caldera and flowed down its outer forested flanks, in some cases to the sea.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3rnNWJ7ADxM/UEenvY6I4RI/AAAAAAAAB1E/WcCFYK_sxeE/s1600/Genovesa+from+National+Park+Service.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Genovesa Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3rnNWJ7ADxM/UEenvY6I4RI/AAAAAAAAB1E/WcCFYK_sxeE/s200/Genovesa+from+National+Park+Service.jpg" title="Genovesa Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Genovesa Island<br />
Photograph from Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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The shield volcano known as Genovesa, a small exquisite treasure of an island, is just 64 meters above sea level at its highest summit. Moreover, its caldera is now below sea level. A break in the caldera on the south side forms Darwin Bay. Another lake, formed by a crater at the center of Genovesa, is less than 6000 years old. For more about <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/08/genovesa-tower-island-visitor-sites_19.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Genovesa Island</span></a>, go to my post about Prince Philip Steps and Darwin Bay.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Volcanic Lava Features</b></span> </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Lava Fields and Flows</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tS_BOmZ_SeI/UEeu-T8m5EI/AAAAAAAAB2k/wdu5UEle_Wc/s1600/chico+lava+flows+by+arkintina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Volcan Chico Lava Flow Pattern, Isabela Island" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tS_BOmZ_SeI/UEeu-T8m5EI/AAAAAAAAB2k/wdu5UEle_Wc/s200/chico+lava+flows+by+arkintina.jpg" title="Volcan Chico Lava Flow Pattern, Isabela Island" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Volcan Chico Lava Flow Pattern<br />
Photograph from Creative Commons by Arkintina</b></td></tr>
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When a volcano erupts, a liquid stream of molten rock (called lava) pours to the Earth’s surface from an erupting vent. The igneous rock that remains when the molten material cools and becomes solid is also called lava. A lava flow is the actual movement of the lava. The flow of lava that erupts from every volcano forms the island’s surface. In fluid form the flowing lava can extend many kilometers from the point of the eruption itself. The lava is usually slow moving - about 1/2 mile/hour - but it can move up to six miles an hour. How rapidly the flow occurs depends, in part, on the steepness of the slope of the volcano.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2NQwDFo7XyM/UEexYi4DEhI/AAAAAAAAB2s/aurIqj9yBfY/s1600/Pahoeoe_fountain_in+Hawaii+from+Wiki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dramatic Flow of Lava in Hawaii" border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2NQwDFo7XyM/UEexYi4DEhI/AAAAAAAAB2s/aurIqj9yBfY/s200/Pahoeoe_fountain_in+Hawaii+from+Wiki.jpg" title="Dramatic Flow of Lava in Hawaii" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dramatic Flow of Lava in Hawaii<br />
Photograph from Wikipedia</b></td></tr>
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Throughout the Galapagos Islands, we see primarily (but as I explain below, not exclusively) two types of lava formation: Pahoehoe and Aa. The words have a Hawaiian derivation. Pahoehoe refers to smooth, unbroken ropy lava and Aa means hurt. When you say the words out loud, they actually evoke the characteristics that they imply.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_0AVaOHK7OU/UEexZHmEadI/AAAAAAAAB20/L59VM75DFjg/s1600/pahoehoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pahoeho Lava Formation" border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_0AVaOHK7OU/UEexZHmEadI/AAAAAAAAB20/L59VM75DFjg/s200/pahoehoe.jpg" title="Pahoeho Lava Formation" width="125" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pahoeho Lava Formation<br />
Photograph from Wiki</b></td></tr>
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Pahoehoe lava is gorgeous. It can look like a weaving, a rope, a piece of surreal art, or just about anything your imagination can conjure. It has a smooth ropy and undulating surface and is formed from slower moving lava. As the lava proceeds slowly snaking its way down the volcano walls from the eruption site, its outer layer cools and hardens in the air, forming an outer crust, while the internal lava stays hot and continues to flow inside the core. The hot lava carries and stretches the cooled outer layer with it. The outer layer starts to assume a ropy appearance and begins twisting in on itself. The hot lava inside continues to flow, sometimes leaving a hollow inside the rope. At the ends of the lava flow, in all directions, small areas break out, then other areas break out beyond that point. Pahoehoe lavas typically have a temperature of 1100 to 1200 °C. The result is nature’s modern art! The forms take many shapes and are very sculptural in nature.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_2q8_RtwzSE/UEfhdTgdzWI/AAAAAAAAB3o/7JIZU59MnxY/s1600/aa+lava+on+caleta+tagus+creative+commons+HBarrison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Photographs of Aa Lava" border="0" height="123" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_2q8_RtwzSE/UEfhdTgdzWI/AAAAAAAAB3o/7JIZU59MnxY/s200/aa+lava+on+caleta+tagus+creative+commons+HBarrison.jpg" title="Photographs of Aa Lava" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Photographs of Aa Lava<br />
Both from Creative Commons by HBarrison</b></td></tr>
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Aa (“ah ah”) is sharp and rubble-like. When I guide a hike on Aa lava, I generally suggest that you use a walking stick for balance because it can be dangerous. Aa lava is difficult to walk on and would be painful to walk on with bare feet. It forms from more viscous lava, usually flowing more rapidly over a steeper landscape.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUS55Zykdcg/UEfhcqsCaDI/AAAAAAAAB3g/8dcONy_pQcI/s1600/aa+lava+creative+commons+HBarrison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photographs of Aa Lava" border="0" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUS55Zykdcg/UEfhcqsCaDI/AAAAAAAAB3g/8dcONy_pQcI/s200/aa+lava+creative+commons+HBarrison.jpg" title="Photographs of Aa Lava" width="200" /></a></div>
Like pahoehoe lava, the outside lava of Aa lava cools more slowly than that inside. But Aa lava is more explosive in its nature as little gas explosions bubble up from the inside and erupt through the crust, instead of flowing through it. The small explosions then cool into a dense and sharp outer core. The clinker-like surface actually covers a massive dense core at the most active part of the volcano’s flow. New lava carries cooled, edgy and rough fragments tumbling down and forming the sharp irregular topography.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QfWNmGx4pdU/UEfkXrxKQuI/AAAAAAAAB4U/g1cdAPf_7s0/s1600/Punta+Albemarle+Birds+and+lava+rocks+by+Phillip+Marsh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Birds Perched on Aa Lava on Isabela Punta Albemarle" border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QfWNmGx4pdU/UEfkXrxKQuI/AAAAAAAAB4U/g1cdAPf_7s0/s200/Punta+Albemarle+Birds+and+lava+rocks+by+Phillip+Marsh.jpg" title="Birds Perched on Aa Lava on Isabela Punta Albemarle" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Birds Perched on Aa Lava on Isabela Punta Albemarle<br />
Photograph from Creative Commons by Philip Marsh</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Pillow Lava</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TqUruoXto2s/UEfknsx4D_I/AAAAAAAAB4c/YCjLL4aeWmo/s1600/Alcedo+pillow+lava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pillow Lava at Isabela's Volcan Alcedo" border="0" height="140" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TqUruoXto2s/UEfknsx4D_I/AAAAAAAAB4c/YCjLL4aeWmo/s200/Alcedo+pillow+lava.jpg" title="Pillow Lava at Isabela's Volcan Alcedo" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pillow Lava at Isabela's Volcan Alcedo<br />
Creative Commons Photo </b></td></tr>
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Less common in the Galapagos Islands is the phenomenon called pillow lava. These formations contain characteristic pillow-shaped structures that are attributed to the extrusion of the lava under water, or subaqueous extrusion. Upon hitting the water, the outside cools very quickly compared to the inner core. The inside continues the build up of hot lava which then bubbles up again, blows another hole in the core and extrudes another pillow-like shape. Pillow lavas in volcanic rock are characterized by thick sequences of discontinuous pillow-shaped masses, commonly up to one meter in diameter. Pillow lava can be found at Punta Moreno and Volcan Alcedo on Isabela and on North Seymour Island.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Volcanic Plateaus</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2EFuAokfd6I/UEeronCD2jI/AAAAAAAAB1c/WW4dvnO4_Qo/s1600/Baltra_Navy+image+from+terraneanalysis.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pillow Lava at Isabela's Volcan Alcedo" border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2EFuAokfd6I/UEeronCD2jI/AAAAAAAAB1c/WW4dvnO4_Qo/s200/Baltra_Navy+image+from+terraneanalysis.com.jpg" title="Pillow Lava at Isabela's Volcan Alcedo" width="129" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Baltra Island Plateau<br />
US Navy Image from<br />
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Another volcanic geological formation that is present throughout the Galapagos Islands is known as a volcanic plateau. You will see plateau formations on South Plaza, Baltra and North Seymour Islands. These formations differ from the shield formulation because the lava pours from fissures throughout the Earth’s surface rather than from a central vent. As there were many points from which the lava flowed, there was no central build up point, rather many smaller ones, thereby resulting in a flattened, rather than domed, appearance. This aerial photograph from the US Navy graphically demonstrates the flatness of a plateau as compared to a shield volcano.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8lOmSQD3SbY/UEesVxX72TI/AAAAAAAAB1k/1fk0UjFyCYk/s1600/Galapagos12+(0001-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pinnacle Rock with Shield Volcanoes in the Background" border="0" height="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8lOmSQD3SbY/UEesVxX72TI/AAAAAAAAB1k/1fk0UjFyCYk/s200/Galapagos12+(0001-2.jpg" title="Pinnacle Rock with Shield Volcanoes in the Background" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Pinnacle Rock with Shield Volcanoes in the Background<br />
Photograph by Aqua Surround</b></span></td></tr>
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Occasionally, a dramatic rock formation will be created from a volcano’s hardened ash. This occurs if extremely high temperature lava spurts into the ocean and explodes. The particles may splatter down into a cone shape. The best known and most widely recognized example of the tuff cone phenomenon is Pinnacle Rock on Bartolome Island. For more information about <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/08/bartolome-island-pinnacle-rock-and_9.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Bartolome</span></a> and all it has to offer, and particularly about Pinnacle Rock, see my blog post on the island's visitor sites.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Summary and Conclusion</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clF-BeXfrgQ/UEfmTp4Wt-I/AAAAAAAAB4k/EHJHJWeXvxM/s1600/devils-crown+from+galapagos+ocean+spray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Devil's Crown, Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clF-BeXfrgQ/UEfmTp4Wt-I/AAAAAAAAB4k/EHJHJWeXvxM/s200/devils-crown+from+galapagos+ocean+spray.jpg" title="Devil's Crown, Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Devil's Crown<br />
Photograph from Haugan Cruise Lines</b></td></tr>
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Like so much else one encounters in the Galapagos Islands, its volcanoes are distinctive and rare. They enrich us, teach us and inspire us. Each and every volcano is different. Each island has its own texture and history. Each rocky inlet, each tuff cone, each plateau and each lava formation is an environment and story unto itself.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xCVciqUE1tM/UEfmxkSqy3I/AAAAAAAAB4s/c39BiNCEhwk/s1600/Darwinarch+wiki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Darwin's Arch, Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xCVciqUE1tM/UEfmxkSqy3I/AAAAAAAAB4s/c39BiNCEhwk/s200/Darwinarch+wiki.jpg" title="Darwin's Arch, Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Darwin's Arch from Wikipedia</b></td></tr>
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The best way to experience the Galapagos Islands is to come here - feel it, smell it, see it, swim with the sea lions, observe the prehistoric looking land iguanas and the unique marine iguanas. See how the wild life reacts to you without fear or intimidation. Just allow yourself moments to settle comfortably into your surroundings and experience the new world around you. But, until you can do that, try a video to at least get the sense of what this world offers that is unlike anything else on earth. A series of videos by the BBC, called <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzWBqrd5l6Y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Born of Fire</a>, is just one of many videos that will give you a sensation of stepping onto this enchanted ground I call Paradise and my home. Enjoy!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-31960723324977656672016-02-28T10:20:00.001-06:002016-02-28T10:20:14.286-06:00Galapagos Islands Geography and Geology - Part III -Ocean Currents<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oJSKa4vQtLg/UEk82nJ4PgI/AAAAAAAAB6c/tnVmKc4TJnU/s1600/San+Cristobal+by+Peri+Apex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="San Cristobal Island, Galapagos " border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oJSKa4vQtLg/UEk82nJ4PgI/AAAAAAAAB6c/tnVmKc4TJnU/s400/San+Cristobal+by+Peri+Apex.jpg" title="San Cristobal Island, Galapagos " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>San Cristobal Island</b></td></tr>
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This is the final of a three-part series of articles in which I discuss the geology of the Galapagos Islands. In <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/09/galapagos-island-geography-and-geology.html/galapagos-island-geography-and-geology_1590.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Part One</span></a> I talked about the tectonic plates that lie beneath the sea and under the land and explained that without the constant movement of the tectonic plates, their crashing into one another, forcing the hot magma to break through the Earth's surface (called the lithosphere), there would be no Galapagos Islands at all. <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/09/galapagos-island-geography-and-geology_16.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Part Two</span></a> focused on the actual formation of the islands from volcanic action that occurs when those tectonic plates collide. Each and every one of the Galapagos Islands, their topography, the sheer cliffs that you see and that have become the nesting sites for bird and animal life found no where else on earth, the beautiful outcroppings, marine life, SCUBA sites, black sand beaches, crystalline beaches - all resulted from volcanic activity. Here, in Part Three, I will talk about the Pacific Ocean currents, particularly how the hot and cold currents impact and define the plant, animal, bird and marine life throughout the Galapagos Islands.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pG4DL5Vj3yc/UEeGBbP89MI/AAAAAAAABv8/V1T1GKO62Jo/s1600/Harry+Bartholemew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Harry Jimenez, owner of Galapagos Eco Lodge" border="0" height="162" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pG4DL5Vj3yc/UEeGBbP89MI/AAAAAAAABv8/V1T1GKO62Jo/s200/Harry+Bartholemew.jpg" title="Harry Jimenez, owner of Galapagos Eco Lodge" width="200" /></a></div>
It's very important that you know that it is a very personal journey I take with you in these pages. These enchanted islands have been my home and that of my family for three generations. They are, to me, a constant source of joy, mystery and delight. From childhood, I recognized that I lived in a wondrous and unique place. I am commited to imparting my knowledge and deep concern for the environment to my guests and, through this blog, have a chance to share my experiences with you. Come and share the world I love with me. For now, experience just a little of what the Galapagos Islands have to offer in this video from my good friend Alex at <a href="http://aquasurround.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Aqua Surround</a>.<br />
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The Galapagos Islands is, in so many respects, a study in contradictions and diversity. I tell all of my guests, "Expect the Unexpected."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KypleBA4xz4/UFYYEX7vDMI/AAAAAAAACBk/COhFRZtT1Lk/s1600/April+30+Sante+Fe+Island+IMG_1073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cactus on Santa Fe Island" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KypleBA4xz4/UFYYEX7vDMI/AAAAAAAACBk/COhFRZtT1Lk/s200/April+30+Sante+Fe+Island+IMG_1073.jpg" title="Cactus on Santa Fe Island" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Cactus on Santa Fe Island</b></td></tr>
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Tourists to the <st1:place w:st="on">Galapagos Islands</st1:place> generally arrive knowing we are located on the Equator and expecting seething heat and unmitigated sunshine. I’m happy to tell you – like just about everything else here – the weather will surprise you. It is hot here, but usually not excessively so. We have months of daily rain showers, but only brief ones. We have periods of mist. We have water cold enough that you’re more comfortable in a wet suit, even snorkeling in the middle of the day during our hottest months. We have cactus, sheer bare cliffs and rock and lava-encrusted surface area, but we also have a few fresh water lakes and lagoons populated with flamingos. We are situated directly on the Equator, but we have penguins. All of these apparently anomalous conditions are due to the ocean currents as they affect the climate, habitats, ecology, marine creatures and animal life of the Archipelago.<br />
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Charles Darwin himself noted his surprise at the moderate climate relative to the fact that the islands are situated on the Equator. He wrote, “[It] is far from being excessively hot…excepting during one short season, very little rain falls, and even then it is irregular.” He went on to explain why, stating, “[T]his seems chiefly caused by the singularly low temperature of the surrounding water, brought here by the great southern Polar Current.” As proved to be true about many things, Darwin was right.<br />
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Think of currents as rivers flowing in different directions and intersecting within the <st1:place w:st="on">Pacific Ocean, as shown in this diagram:</st1:place></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_eqIDywVHfA/UEk6-ldB2uI/AAAAAAAAB6M/W1alpZYgHkg/s1600/Ocean+Currents+Map+from+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ocean Currents Map showing Galapagos Island Currents" border="0" height="185" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_eqIDywVHfA/UEk6-ldB2uI/AAAAAAAAB6M/W1alpZYgHkg/s200/Ocean+Currents+Map+from+.jpg" title="Ocean Currents Map showing Galapagos Island Currents" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; line-height: 15px;"><b>Ocean Currents Map from The National Weather Service<br />
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream//tropics/itcz.ht</b></span></td></tr>
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Five ocean currents intersect at the location of the Galapagos Islands and have a profound impact on its climate and, accordingly, its flora, fauna, land, sea and bird life. The prevailing currents are Cromwell, Peruvian, Humboldt, and the Panama Current. The fifth current, El Niño, sometimes has a devastating effect as well. The weather at any given time is informed by and determined on the basis of the prevailing current. We even have seasonal climate changes here – all brought about by the ocean currents. The mix of these currents and the related location of each island causes a wide variation of water temperatures from month to month and island to island.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Humboldt Current</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VfohNAvzeRA/UEogmxiRlII/AAAAAAAAB7U/GlG0Nmscv9g/s1600/Penguins+Creative+Commons+by+Lebatihem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Galapagos Penguins Swimming in the Humboldt Current" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VfohNAvzeRA/UEogmxiRlII/AAAAAAAAB7U/GlG0Nmscv9g/s200/Penguins+Creative+Commons+by+Lebatihem.jpg" title="Galapagos Penguins Swimming in the Humboldt Current" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Galapagos Penguins Swimming in the Humboldt Current<br />
Photograph from Creative Commons by Lebatihem</b></td></tr>
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Darwin, referring in the above-quote to the "Polar Current" was referring to the Humboldt Current (also called the Peru Coastal Current). It is cold because it begins its route in the frozen ice of Antarctica, then travels up the western coast of South America before reaching the <st1:place w:st="on">Galapagos Islands</st1:place>. To be sure, in its travels, the current loses its frozen aspect, but still it remains a cold ocean current. It has the energy and means to cool the land and sea temperatures, thus giving the <st1:place w:st="on">Galapagos Islands</st1:place> something other than the over-heated humid tropical climate you might expect. Because of the effect of the Humboldt Current, our climate is actually subtropical. It is because of the Humboldt and Cromwell Currents that Penguins thrive in an equatorial environment. Read more about this stunning phenomenon in my post, <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/08/penquins-on-ecuator.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Galapagos Penguins - Yes, Penguins on the Equator</span></a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7P8HDGUXNKM/UEopWhBIODI/AAAAAAAAB8c/444dhVXGnqg/s1600/Fur+Seal+Creative+Commons+by+A+Davey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fur Seal Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="146" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7P8HDGUXNKM/UEopWhBIODI/AAAAAAAAB8c/444dhVXGnqg/s200/Fur+Seal+Creative+Commons+by+A+Davey.jpg" title="Fur Seal Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Fur Seal<br />
Photograph from Creative Commons by A. Davey</b></td></tr>
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Not only Galapagos Penguins, but also Galapagos Fur Seals immigrated to the Galapagos Islands, and evolved and adapted to this climate, by way of the Humboldt Current.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LisWEfM70Rg/UEohlXmphJI/AAAAAAAAB7k/pkFUrqyg-XU/s1600/April+30+Sante+Fe+Island+IMG_1049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Typical Cloud Covering on Santa Fe Island Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LisWEfM70Rg/UEohlXmphJI/AAAAAAAAB7k/pkFUrqyg-XU/s200/April+30+Sante+Fe+Island+IMG_1049.jpg" title="Typical Cloud Covering on Santa Fe Island Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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Winds accompany the Humboldt Current and, together, the water temperature and wind form a low-lying layer of clouds which often are visible over the islands. This makes for pleasant temperatures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dy02hLd_tAQ/UEoeYii8N1I/AAAAAAAAB7M/Ky063kZYP0o/s1600/Rabida+-+garua.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rabida Island Enveloped with Guara Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dy02hLd_tAQ/UEoeYii8N1I/AAAAAAAAB7M/Ky063kZYP0o/s200/Rabida+-+garua.JPG" title="Rabida Island Enveloped with Guara Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rabida Island Enveloped with Guara<br />
Photograph by David Tana at superoceras.blogspot.com</b></td></tr>
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The clouds, in turn, sometimes envelop the highlands throughout the archipelago in a persistent light mist known as garúa. You might have read that we have a dry season in the summer and fall, but this is actually a misnomer. It is called the dry season not because it is actually dry, but because the persistent garúa made it difficult for settlers to collect drinking water.</div>
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Throughout the <st1:place w:st="on">Islands</st1:place> we feel the impact of the Humboldt Current predominantly during the summer and fall, and strongest of all in the month of September. This is the choppiest time of year to be on a boat in the <st1:place w:st="on">Galapagos Islands</st1:place>. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Cromwell Current</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KeeUBE8OP9M/UEpCKqObmyI/AAAAAAAAB-E/MowpZIUlIjM/s1600/Gala_12+(40).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Underwater Footage Showing Variety of Marine Life Made Possible by the Ocean Currents" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KeeUBE8OP9M/UEpCKqObmyI/AAAAAAAAB-E/MowpZIUlIjM/s200/Gala_12+(40).jpg" title="Underwater Footage Showing Variety of Marine Life Made Possible by the Ocean Currents" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Underwater Footage<br />Showing Variety of Marine Life<br />Made Possible by the Ocean Currents<br />All Underwater Photos by Brian Postill</b></td></tr>
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The other cold water current is the Cromwell Current, also known as the subequatorial Countercurrent. It originates in the depths of the western <st1:place w:st="on">Pacific Ocean</st1:place> and flows eastward. At the Equator, the Humboldt turns west, assisted by the Earth's rotation and seasonal winds, and joins with the Cromwell before heading straight toward the Galapagos. Together, they slam into the islands, pushing deep cool water to the surface. The deep water has an abundance of accumulated nutrients. As they emerge from the depths to the surface, the nourishing phytoplankton form the bottom rung on the ocean's food chain.<br />
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The Cromwell is huge, extending the entire length of the equator in the <st1:place w:st="on">Pacific Ocean</st1:place>. This enormous submarine river current is 250 miles wide, 3500 miles long and is 1000 times the volume of the <st1:place w:st="on">Mississippi River</st1:place>. The surface currents of the <st1:place w:st="on">Pacific Ocean</st1:place> flow eastwardly. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QRe92HZ7KuI/UEpE1mRKnuI/AAAAAAAAB_E/3CD__bnwrt4/s1600/Penguin+CC+Hanumann.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Galapagos Penguin" border="0" height="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QRe92HZ7KuI/UEpE1mRKnuI/AAAAAAAAB_E/3CD__bnwrt4/s200/Penguin+CC+Hanumann.jpg" title="Galapagos Penguin" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Galapagos Penguin<br />Photograph from Creative Commons by Hanumann</b></td></tr>
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The Galapagos Penguins also rely on this ocean current as it brings nutrient-rich fish on which the penguins feed. During the day, the Penguins use the Cromwell Current's cold waters to keep themselves cool.<br />
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The very cold Cromwell Current (just 13 degrees Celsius at its core) lies 300 feet underneath the surface current and is like a river flowing in the opposite direction. Because it is so high in nutrients and oxygen, the Cromwell Current supports a wide array of marine life. It is unusual for the Cromwell current to appear in the eastern Galapagos Islands. For the most part, it surfaces near the western islands of Fernandina and Isabela. Then, upon encountering the submarine Galapagos platform it dissipates toward the center of the archipelago.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-earkLutt7yA/UEpCLmPvnqI/AAAAAAAAB-M/J-b4jabE21Y/s1600/Gala_12+(60).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Marine Life at Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-earkLutt7yA/UEpCLmPvnqI/AAAAAAAAB-M/J-b4jabE21Y/s200/Gala_12+(60).jpg" title="Marine Life at Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a>The Cromwell Current has a dramatic impact on the marine environment throughout the <st1:place w:st="on">Galapagos Islands</st1:place>.<br />
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Recently a blogger wrote about his diving experiencing around Isabela Island in the Cromwell Current, where the water temperature is about 58 degrees F (16C). He identified varied and fascinating marine life that might be encountered in this nutrient rich environment: "Mola Mola that were very close to us ... seahorses everywhere, bull sharks, red-lipped bat fish, sea lions, flightless cormorant, schools of salemas, dozens of sea turtle, king angel fish, Mexican hog fish, harlequin wrasse, pompanos, and bonitos ... big marine iguanas eating under the water. After one of our dives we did a panga ride along the cliff where we spied penguins, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas relaxing, hunting and swimming, sea lions, pelicans, and resident blue footed boobies." <a href="http://www.aggressor.com/captainlogsview.php?log=2696" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">More</span></a> from this blog.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Panama</st1:place></st1:country> Current</span></h3>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qD-MH24YQK8/UEpCJCOtb0I/AAAAAAAAB9k/_XHBAKMOsrY/s1600/Gala_12+%2528123%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Ray in warm Panama Currents of Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qD-MH24YQK8/UEpCJCOtb0I/AAAAAAAAB9k/_XHBAKMOsrY/s200/Gala_12+%2528123%2529.jpg" title="Ray in warm Panama Currents of Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Crslr-Vd0Is/UEpCJ_ijUwI/AAAAAAAAB90/xCsrWWZJ43E/s1600/Gala_12+%2528125%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Schools of fish in warm Panama Currents of Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Crslr-Vd0Is/UEpCJ_ijUwI/AAAAAAAAB90/xCsrWWZJ43E/s200/Gala_12+%2528125%2529.jpg" title="Schools of fish in warm Panama Currents of Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a>The Panama Current is a warm water current that predominates from about November (the beginning of what we call the "wet" season) until May. The water temperature rises, the skies clear with the exception of occasional rain showers. The water during the period of the Panama Current is actually clearer because there are fewer nutrients concentrated in it. The marine life is very rich during this period as well. The warm water brings loads of schools of fish as well as sharks and rays.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYiZ5Vjvq_w/UEpLX57u22I/AAAAAAAAB_8/cT6r6ptWUaA/s1600/School+of+Fish+Unaffected+by+El+Nino+from+sciencewithoutborders.org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="School of Galapagos Island Fish Before El Nino" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYiZ5Vjvq_w/UEpLX57u22I/AAAAAAAAB_8/cT6r6ptWUaA/s200/School+of+Fish+Unaffected+by+El+Nino+from+sciencewithoutborders.org.jpg" title="School of Galapagos Island Fish Before El Nino" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>School of Galapagos Island Fish Before El Nino<br />Photograph from Sciencewithoutborders.org</b></td></tr>
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Every 2 to 7 years the strong westward-blowing trade winds subside. Instead of allowing the Humboldt Current, so rich in nutrients, to come in to feed and nourish the aquatic life and the animals and birds that depend on that marine life for survival, the warm waters stagnate around the Galapagos archipelago. The aquatic life typical to the Galapagos Islands is unable to survive in the absence of cool water rich with nutrients. So, the fish leave the archipelago in search of cooler waters in which to thrive. The result can be devastation as the marine and animal life that depend on the schools of fish is left without a food source.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-49exHF2N69w/UEpLw2TnCHI/AAAAAAAACAE/9RE8wNma2PA/s1600/Iguanas+shrunk+by+El+Nino+from+Sciencewithoutborders.org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Iguanas Shrink in both weight and height without nutrition as a result of El Nino" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-49exHF2N69w/UEpLw2TnCHI/AAAAAAAACAE/9RE8wNma2PA/s200/Iguanas+shrunk+by+El+Nino+from+Sciencewithoutborders.org.jpg" title="Iguanas Shrink in both weight and height without nutrition as a result of El Nino" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Iguanas Shrink in both weight and height without nutrition<br />Photograph from Sciencewithoutborders.org</b></td></tr>
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In essence, El Nino breaks the delicate balance of nature that feeds the fish, birds and marine animals such as the Galapagos Penquins, Bobbies, Flightless cormorants and Marine Iguanas. And when the feed cycle is broken, so is the breeding cycle. The long-term impact on the fish, birds and marine animals that depend on those fish for survival is challenged. Tortoise species have died because of El Nino. Land iguanas shrink in both height and weight when forced to live without sufficient nutrition during a period like El Nino. Read more about this occurrence in my <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/07/galapagos-marine-and-land-iguanas.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Iguana blog post</span></a>.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7czOgUgC4k/UEpGm4-I_9I/AAAAAAAAB_M/JaGM9p37T-4/s1600/elnino+effect+march+11,+1998+Gene+Feldman+NASA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Satellite Maps showing underwater changes before and after El Nino in Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7czOgUgC4k/UEpGm4-I_9I/AAAAAAAAB_M/JaGM9p37T-4/s200/elnino+effect+march+11,+1998+Gene+Feldman+NASA.jpg" title="Satellite Maps showing underwater changes before and after El Nino in Galapagos Islands" width="174" /></a>NASA has extensively studied the effects of El Nino on the Galapagos Islands. From a satellite, it photographed the amounts of chlorophyll in the water during and after El Nino. These satellite maps show chlorophyll concentration (which corresponds with the density of microscopic ocean plants, called phytoplankton) during El Niño (top) and La Niña (lower). Blue represents low concentrations, while yellow, orange and red indicate high concentrations. Currents that normally fertilize the phytoplankton reverse during El Niño, resulting in barren oceans. These same currents are strengthened by La Niña resulting in an explosion of ocean life. It doesn't take much to imagine that in periods of El Nino, when there is nothing left for the fish to eat, the fish must abandon the Galapagos for better feeding grounds, leaving the animal life that depends on them to seek alternatives and, sometimes, to become extinct.<br />
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The images from 1998 graphically show that the unique Galapagos ecosystem was severely affected and many species, including sea lions, seabirds, and barracudas, suffered a very high mortality level. However, during the second week of May, 1998, the ocean temperatures plummeted 10 degrees in one day, and the ocean productivity exploded with large phytoplankton blooms. Rapidly, many species recovered and the land species started to reproduce. Read more from <a href="http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/view.php?id=27061" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">NASA</span></a> about the El Nino effect and the importance of the underwater plant life. There are <a href="http://www.marinebio.net/marinescience/02ocean/enmarmr.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">photographs of the devastation that El Nino had on marine life</a>, including sea lions and iguanas. During a period of El Nino the Galapagos National Park Service is diligent in following and studying all the animal, bird and marine life and providing human support to forestall harm to any species.</div>
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On the positive side El Nino does bring rain and favors vegetation growth. The <st1:place w:st="on">Galapagos Islands</st1:place> see spectacular flowering cactus and much greener landscapes during El Nino than at other times. And, surely, El Nino is part of the circle of life and the environmental eco-system that made the Galapagos Islands what they are today.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-74571669817465012012016-02-28T10:18:00.002-06:002016-02-28T10:18:40.643-06:00Isabela Island Visitor Sites Part I - Sites from Puerto Villamil<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white;">Basic Geography and Overview of Isabela Island</span></h3>
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-N45VhKrJ0/UDvduyUD4dI/AAAAAAAABR4/MsCF-ocUXVc/s1600/map+from+jungle+photos.com+isabela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Map of Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-N45VhKrJ0/UDvduyUD4dI/AAAAAAAABR4/MsCF-ocUXVc/s200/map+from+jungle+photos.com+isabela.jpg" title="Map of Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="157" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Map of Isabela from JunglePhotos.com<br />
Map reproduced with permission from Instituto Geografico Militar del Ecuador</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyzFk0WdAgY/UDUKp_sNw_I/AAAAAAAABE4/ZCoUhbyOr4M/s1600/Sierra+Negra+CC+Michael+R+Perry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Landscape/Moonscape on Isabela Hiking Up Volcan Sierra Negra" border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyzFk0WdAgY/UDUKp_sNw_I/AAAAAAAABE4/ZCoUhbyOr4M/s320/Sierra+Negra+CC+Michael+R+Perry.jpg" title="Landscape/Moonscape on Isabela Hiking Up Volcan Sierra Negra" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Landscape/Moonscape on Isabela Hiking Up Volcan Sierra Negra<br />
Photograph from CreativeCommons by Michael R. Perry</b></td></tr>
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Isla Isabela, located in the western Galapagos Islands, is one of the newest geological land masses in the archipelago. If you have experienced the eastern islands, heavily eroded over the millennia by wind and waves, you may find the baked lava terrain surrounding the volcanoes on Isabela in stark contrast. It is rugged and challenging. It displays different colors; different minerals catch the light; it is mountainous and stark; it is intriguing at every turn.<br />
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Isabela is also unique because it grew not from one volcanic eruption, but by the integration of six separate underwater volcanoes. It is the largest land mass in the island system, accounting for 60% of the total land area. Moreover, due to its size and the fact that it arose from the sea as a result of multiple different natural occurrences and eruptions, its landscape is varied and it has many individually interesting tour sites and attractions.<br />
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This is the first of three posts I will write about Isabela Island. Here, I focus on the remarkable visitor sites accessible from the main town of Puerto Villamil. Get ready - you are about to experience everything from blue footed boobies to steps carved into a volcanic hillside, from flamingos to a bustling town. Indeed, each visitor to Isabela will experience this enchanted ground from a
difference perspective, and, like the Galapagos Islands themselves, Isabela has something to offer everyone. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-84LD-9vhbWM/UD4t9GxzdQI/AAAAAAAABSo/nGgTk-IV6Ss/s1600/Concha+de+Perla+Sunset+CC+Acme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Beautiful Sunset over Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-84LD-9vhbWM/UD4t9GxzdQI/AAAAAAAABSo/nGgTk-IV6Ss/s200/Concha+de+Perla+Sunset+CC+Acme.jpg" title="Beautiful Sunset over Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Beautiful Sunset over Isabela Island<br />
Photograph from Creative Commons by Acme</b></td></tr>
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Our tour of the vast resources of Isla Isabela begins in the town of Puerto Villamil and continues to the many intriguing visitor sites accessible from this hamlet of just 2200 souls. In <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/10/isabela-island-visitor-sites-part-ii_11.html" style="color: magenta;" target="_blank">Part II</a>, I take you to the magnificent beaches, coves, inlets, mangrove forests and snorkeling sites that surround this diverse island and are accessible only by boat and usually only by cruise ship visitors. In <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/10/isabela-island-visitor-sites-part-iii.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Part III</span></a>, I focus on the challenging and intriguing hiking opportunities that await those with a sense of adventure who are eager to examine the Isabela's astonishing volcanoes and experience the moonscapes, lava formations, calderas on the land and vistas of the island and ocean from atop this remarkable island.</div>
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<h3>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Puerto Villamil</b></span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvgVNmq758M/UDUHxccS5uI/AAAAAAAABEg/d6Z1FJkIyn0/s1600/Puerto+Villamil+view+from+CCflurdy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Puerto Villamil Panorama, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvgVNmq758M/UDUHxccS5uI/AAAAAAAABEg/d6Z1FJkIyn0/s320/Puerto+Villamil+view+from+CCflurdy.jpg" title="Puerto Villamil Panorama, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Puerto Villamil Panorama<br />
Photograph from CreativeCommons by Flurdy</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Iquanas Watching the Sunset at Puerto Villamil<br />
Photograph from CreativeCommons by Michael R. Perry</b></td></tr>
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Puerto Villamil, located on the southeast coast of the island, is the Capitol of Isla Isabela. Though a small town, with a population of just about 2200 people, its harbor is frequently filled with sailboats and private yachts on their way to the Marquesas Islands. There are many interesting and unique sites for visitors within walking or driving distance from the town and several charming hotels and lodges in which to stay and experience the local culture. If you do choose to stay in town and travel to the nearby sites, you will not be disappointed. Be sure to get good directions and to distinguish those sites that require a certified National Park Guide from those that you may visit on your own. The town is large enough to support some shopping and dining opportunities as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iezJED98i-Y/UDUHw79gytI/AAAAAAAABEY/7jY3bWcbXvY/s1600/Puerto+Villamil+Night+Sky+CC+Acme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunset at Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iezJED98i-Y/UDUHw79gytI/AAAAAAAABEY/7jY3bWcbXvY/s200/Puerto+Villamil+Night+Sky+CC+Acme.jpg" title="Sunset at Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dock and Sunset at Puerto Villamil<br />
Photograph from CreativeCommons by Acme</b></td></tr>
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You will find the main port surrounded by extensive, white sandy beaches with lagoons and wetlands on its borders. The nearby sites, to which I provide more in depth information below, include Flamingo Lake, Mango Viewpoint, the Tortoise Breeding Station, the Wall of Tears, the Wetlands lagoons, Cueva de Sucre, Las Tintoreas, Concha de Perla and many swamps and mangroves, which are the home to a variety of bird species.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="background-color: white;">Flamingo Lake</span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Flamingo Lake</b></td></tr>
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Flamingo Lake, just as the name suggests, is a lagoon which houses not only an array of coastal and sea birds, but also the largest concentration of flamingos in Galapagos. Pictures are worth a thousand words in this case. I'm told that everyone loves to go to the San Diego Zoo in California to see their superb collection of flamingos at the entrance. I have to believe that is nothing compared to the real thing in real life in their natural habitat. Flamingo Lake really is a site to behold.<br />
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All photographs of Flamingo Lake are from Creative Commons courtesy of, respectively, <span style="text-align: center;">NH53, Dallas Krentzel, jdegenhardt, ccarlstead, jdegenhardt and sly06. Thank you all for sharing these beautiful representations of this gorgeous Galapagos visitor site.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kV3bhW34zqY/UD41sDMuUCI/AAAAAAAABUI/5ciwK8uBF9M/s1600/Flamingo+Lake+by+jdegenhardt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Flamingo Lake, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="131" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kV3bhW34zqY/UD41sDMuUCI/AAAAAAAABUI/5ciwK8uBF9M/s200/Flamingo+Lake+by+jdegenhardt.jpg" title="Flamingo Lake, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NXwQXyrPP3s/UD41shA-MiI/AAAAAAAABUQ/3sEClJoNMNM/s1600/Flamingo+Lake+photo+by+jdegenhardt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Flamingo Lake, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NXwQXyrPP3s/UD41shA-MiI/AAAAAAAABUQ/3sEClJoNMNM/s200/Flamingo+Lake+photo+by+jdegenhardt.jpg" title="Flamingo Lake, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hvqa5XxlCT8/UD41tCsBDVI/AAAAAAAABUY/ueJDGb_VZ_g/s1600/Flamingo+Lake+photo+by+sly06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Flamingo Lake, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="141" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hvqa5XxlCT8/UD41tCsBDVI/AAAAAAAABUY/ueJDGb_VZ_g/s200/Flamingo+Lake+photo+by+sly06.jpg" title="Flamingo Lake, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSzcJ5EtcDY/UD41tlAQ85I/AAAAAAAABUg/yUueAwYVTQ0/s1600/Flamingo+in+Mangroves+from+creative+commons+by+dallas+Krentzel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Flamingo Lake, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSzcJ5EtcDY/UD41tlAQ85I/AAAAAAAABUg/yUueAwYVTQ0/s200/Flamingo+in+Mangroves+from+creative+commons+by+dallas+Krentzel.jpg" title="Flamingo Lake, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zekw2drEHxA/UD41uIxNSeI/AAAAAAAABUo/UWWjPmkRbHw/s1600/Flamingo+lake+photo+by+ccarlstead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Flamingo Lake, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zekw2drEHxA/UD41uIxNSeI/AAAAAAAABUo/UWWjPmkRbHw/s200/Flamingo+lake+photo+by+ccarlstead.jpg" title="Flamingo Lake, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<h3>
<span style="background-color: white;">The Wetlands</span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Entrance to Isabela Wetlands<br />
All Wetlands Photographs from Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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The Galapagos National Park Service has an excellent description of the Wetland sites surrounding and nearby Puerto Villamil. It describes the Wetlands as a complex of trails that include the following sites:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HyDuILSIwQM/UD5b9R12VUI/AAAAAAAABVw/AjaJ_DQ9NRI/s1600/Wetlands+NPS07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Wetlands, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HyDuILSIwQM/UD5b9R12VUI/AAAAAAAABVw/AjaJ_DQ9NRI/s200/Wetlands+NPS07.jpg" title="The Wetlands, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><u>Cerro Orchilla</u>: </b>From this lookout point, accessible <i>via</i> a staircase, you can see spectacular scenery including the bay and the town of <st1:place w:st="on">Puerto Villamil</st1:place>, Sierra Negra Volcano, the Cerro Azul Volcano, multiple islets and rocky outlets.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3qULTh_KfdI/UD5b92xH18I/AAAAAAAABV4/bOZ-d5V6wR8/s1600/Wetlands+NPS08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pelican at The Wetlands, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3qULTh_KfdI/UD5b92xH18I/AAAAAAAABV4/bOZ-d5V6wR8/s200/Wetlands+NPS08.jpg" title="Pelican at The Wetlands, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7lR4-_7cVsc/UD5b8oXfMfI/AAAAAAAABVg/nrZ8byGe0mQ/s1600/Wetlands+NPS04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Wetlands, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7lR4-_7cVsc/UD5b8oXfMfI/AAAAAAAABVg/nrZ8byGe0mQ/s200/Wetlands+NPS04.jpg" title="The Wetlands, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a><b><u>El Estero</u>:</b> This is 227 meter path of lava rocks, 1.5 meters wide. Here, you are free to picnic and view the scenery and wildlife. This is a particularly important trail because of its juxtaposition to the mangrove eco-systems of Isabela Island. Four species of mangrove are present, including the largest black mangrove trees anywhere in the Galapagos. There is also a small majagual forest. El Estero is related to the stories and legends of the penal colony era on Isabela. There is also a freshwater spring that, at low tide, forms a river that flows into a sandy bay for observation of sea birds and marine life.</div>
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<b><u>La Poza Escondida</u>: </b>The main attraction along this path of stone and wood is a mangrove forest.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rTtD1_3n_7w/UD5dA-Ncy6I/AAAAAAAABWI/Ux8d2eAY_yo/s1600/Wetlands+NPS06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="The Wetlands, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rTtD1_3n_7w/UD5dA-Ncy6I/AAAAAAAABWI/Ux8d2eAY_yo/s200/Wetlands+NPS06.jpg" title="The Wetlands, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a><b><u>Poza Redonda</u>: </b>This equally beautiful pathway, 50 meters long, is comprised of lava plates leading to a pool formed inside a collapsed lava tube.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vovS-DSboU0/UD5b9A--WLI/AAAAAAAABVo/N_gh29AU9IA/s1600/Wetlands+NPS05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Wetlands, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vovS-DSboU0/UD5b9A--WLI/AAAAAAAABVo/N_gh29AU9IA/s200/Wetlands+NPS05.jpg" title="The Wetlands, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a><b><u>Tunel del Estero</u>: </b>Another lava tunnel will be found at the culmination of this 75 meter path consisting of lava plates and ending in a staircase. Above the tunnel you can see the intertidal landscape that offers a tapestry of Galapagos Sesuvium between "El Túnel del Estero" and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Love</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place>.</div>
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<b><u>Love </u></b><st1:placetype w:st="on"><b><u>Beach</u>: </b>This rocky beach and access to the sea is </st1:placetype>a site frequently used by the community of Isabela.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Q4s1GIewag/UD5dwkBv-yI/AAAAAAAABWQ/yHbcobdzPAY/s1600/Wetlands+NPS09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Flamingos at The Wetlands, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Q4s1GIewag/UD5dwkBv-yI/AAAAAAAABWQ/yHbcobdzPAY/s200/Wetlands+NPS09.jpg" title="Flamingos at The Wetlands, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a><b><u>Los Tunos Viewpoint and Pozas Verde</u>:</b> These two paths have several lookout points for observation of bird and plant life.</div>
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</b> <b><u>La Playita</u></b>: This path leads to a small beach that is part of the greater beach in Villamil.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wMOzPgyXIQs/UD5dxUt4tmI/AAAAAAAABWg/5w46SxoQW0U/s1600/Wetlands+NPS11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Wetlands, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wMOzPgyXIQs/UD5dxUt4tmI/AAAAAAAABWg/5w46SxoQW0U/s200/Wetlands+NPS11.jpg" title="The Wetlands, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a>The main attraction of the Wetland sites is the variety of flora and fauna can be observed. </div>
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<b>Mangrove Trees of the Type found in the Wetlands on Isabela Island:</b><br />
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Photograph School of Forest Resources and Conservation University of Florida</b></td></tr>
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Creative Commons Photograph by Platours_Flickr</b></td></tr>
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Creative Commons Photograph by Neil Hinchley</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BJjRVTCkemI/UD5tc0gZfOI/AAAAAAAABYY/wDpmpwNvkLY/s1600/mangroves+by+rouzwawi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mangroves Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BJjRVTCkemI/UD5tc0gZfOI/AAAAAAAABYY/wDpmpwNvkLY/s200/mangroves+by+rouzwawi.jpg" title="Mangroves Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mangroves and Root System<br />
Creative Commons Photograph by Rouzwawi</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>El Mirador del Mango (Mango Viewpoint)</b></span></h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B85DAX710WA/UD4wi1V5t0I/AAAAAAAABTY/E_cfg6qGIT8/s1600/Warbler+copia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Galapagos Warbler" border="0" height="134" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B85DAX710WA/UD4wi1V5t0I/AAAAAAAABTY/E_cfg6qGIT8/s200/Warbler+copia.jpg" title="Galapagos Warbler" width="200" /></a></div>
Mango Lookout is, as the name suggests, a magnificent location to take in the surrounding area from a high vantage point. The viewpoint is about 9 kilometers from Puerto Villamil located in the island's agricultural area. The reward for hiking to Mango Lookout and climbing the trail and staircase onto its stilted wooden platform is the awe you will feel when you experience the stunning vista of the southern side of Isabela Island. Surrounded by yellow warblers and mango trees, otherwise unseen in the Galapagos, this is a gorgeous site for photo opportunities. On the way to your destination from Puerto Villamil are areas of vegetation indigenous to Isabela, as well as several bird species, among them various finches.<br />
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This site is also historically significant in terms of the human development of Isabela. This is the former location of the gravel mine from which the roads and highways on Isabela were constructed. Additionally, the road to Mango Viewpoint was used by early settlers of the island and then by the convicts who arrived to this island.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center</b></span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSL1DK9jMM4/UDUL3PBtHMI/AAAAAAAABFQ/RaAOq6k2080/s1600/Tortoise+Breeding+Center+CC+Michael+R+Perry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tortoise Breeding Center Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSL1DK9jMM4/UDUL3PBtHMI/AAAAAAAABFQ/RaAOq6k2080/s320/Tortoise+Breeding+Center+CC+Michael+R+Perry.jpg" title="Tortoise Breeding Center Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Breeding Center<br />
Photograph from CreativeCommons by Michael R. Perry</b></td></tr>
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Run by the National Park Service together with the Charles Darwin Research Foundation, the Tortoise Breeding Center on Isabela is accessed by walking or driving about 1.5 km from Puerto Villamil. Many different species of tortoise are represented here, including those from Volcans Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul, both located on Isabela Island. The breeding program has been very successful with multiple - although not all - species. There are currently about 330 juvenile and adult tortoises at the center. Baby tortoises are kept in captivity until age five before release to their natural habitats.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eLDzSvBlGpY/UDUL2uBp4rI/AAAAAAAABFI/dWRibE1tiGs/s1600/Tortoise+Breeding+Center+8-year+old+yawning+CC+sly06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tortoise Breeding Center Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="149" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eLDzSvBlGpY/UDUL2uBp4rI/AAAAAAAABFI/dWRibE1tiGs/s200/Tortoise+Breeding+Center+8-year+old+yawning+CC+sly06.jpg" title="Tortoise Breeding Center Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Breeding Center<br />
Photograph from CreativeCommons<br />
by Sly06</b></td></tr>
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The tortoises are fed a vegetarian diet three times weekly and drink water from small artificial ponds built within the corrals. The Center has beautiful gardens consisting of native plants. Unlike a typical visit to the main breeding center at the Charles Darwin Research Center, a visit here is peaceful and quiet; often you will be alone to wander through this lovely preserve.<br />
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If you are interested in learning more about the tortoise population at Isabela’s Breeding Center, follow this link to the <a href="http://www.galapagospark.org/sitio.php?page=centro_crianza_arnaldo_tupiza" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Galapagos National Park Service’s statistical information</a>.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Wall of Tears</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QRANpovKF5M/UDY4V4OgscI/AAAAAAAABN4/BLPYW0rH2Iw/s1600/Wall+of+Tears+CC+Akeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wall of Tears Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QRANpovKF5M/UDY4V4OgscI/AAAAAAAABN4/BLPYW0rH2Iw/s320/Wall+of+Tears+CC+Akeg.jpg" title="Wall of Tears Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Approaching the Wall of Tears<br />
Photograph from Creative Commons Akeg</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I5CpLnfUVeY/UDY4UmSbzQI/AAAAAAAABNg/vZEeB2TvZCg/s1600/Wall+of+Tears+1+John+Santis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wall of Tears Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I5CpLnfUVeY/UDY4UmSbzQI/AAAAAAAABNg/vZEeB2TvZCg/s200/Wall+of+Tears+1+John+Santis.jpg" title="Wall of Tears Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Wall of Tears<br />
Photograph from John Santic</b></td></tr>
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The Wall of Tears is a historic site in Isabela. Between 1946 and 1959, Isabela was a penal colony, where prisoners were forced to build a wall with huge blocks of lava as punishment. The wall is 100 metres long and 7 metres high. Due to the arduous labour and harsh conditions in which the prisoners lived, this site is known as the Wall of Tears. Many bloggers have written eloquently about their emotions when visiting the Wall of Tears. For me, pictures tell the story. If you are interested in reading more, I suggest either of these two links. <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/hubs/gapyear/3379708/The-grown-up-gapper-Isabelas-dark-past-Galapagos-Islands.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Grown-Up Gapper: Isabela's Dark Past</a> or <a href="http://johnsantic.com/cruising/galap_easter/visit_galap/iwall1.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Visiting Isabela</a>, by John Santic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idrhE0PTDhc/UDY4WVPYq_I/AAAAAAAABOA/JELPJxhnqrQ/s1600/Wall+of+Tears+CC+Seven+Bedard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Wall of Tears Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idrhE0PTDhc/UDY4WVPYq_I/AAAAAAAABOA/JELPJxhnqrQ/s320/Wall+of+Tears+CC+Seven+Bedard.jpg" title="Wall of Tears Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Wall of Tears<br />
Photograph from John Santic</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Cueva de Sucre (Sucre's Cave)</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9qWgmHYcfzA/UD5yC-LwpqI/AAAAAAAABZY/TXd0qixIBxY/s1600/Cuevo+de+Sucre.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cueva de Sucre Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9qWgmHYcfzA/UD5yC-LwpqI/AAAAAAAABZY/TXd0qixIBxY/s320/Cuevo+de+Sucre.JPG" title="Cueva de Sucre Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Galapagos National Park Sign at Entrance to Cueva de Sucre</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBeC5UsQAnk/UD5yCP18GwI/AAAAAAAABZQ/6P89Za4VZKA/s1600/Cuevo+de+Sucre+entrance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cueva de Sucre Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBeC5UsQAnk/UD5yCP18GwI/AAAAAAAABZQ/6P89Za4VZKA/s200/Cuevo+de+Sucre+entrance.JPG" title="Cueva de Sucre Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Entrance to Cueva de Sucre</b></td></tr>
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Sucre`s Cave is a very recent addition to the visitor sites available on Isla Isabela, accessible only by land and not visited by cruise ships. It is located in the agricultural zone just about 14 kilometers from Puerto Villamil. Situated in an area of reforestation and conservation, Cueva de Sucre consists of a path of about 480 meters underground, running through a strip of vegetation and across a lava tunnel before ending at a nursery installation used to reproduce indigenous and endemic flora and fauna. Inside the cave, there are places where you can stand and examine the interesting volcanic formations. For those adventuresome spirits, there are some very tight spaces that only those without claustrophobia and with a true love for spelunking will choose to experience. The trail is built entirely of volcanic materials. The nursery itself is maintained by the Galapagos National Forest using primarily volunteers and students who can apply their skills and interests to helping maintain the ecological balance of the island. This is a vital spot for teaching about the flora of Isabela Island.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Concho de Perla - Pearl Shell</span></h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FeVj4EBTZKc/UD50UzjGBXI/AAAAAAAABZs/XKQiyPLXrA4/s1600/Concha+de+Perla+Blue+Footed+Boobies+CC+Acme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FeVj4EBTZKc/UD50UzjGBXI/AAAAAAAABZs/XKQiyPLXrA4/s200/Concha+de+Perla+Blue+Footed+Boobies+CC+Acme.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Blue Footed Boobies at Concho de Perla<br />
Photograph from Creative Commons Taken by Acme</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-69UDicSqXI0/UD50VaMV1SI/AAAAAAAABZ0/8xQRwC0SOI0/s1600/Concha+de+Perla+Sunset+CC+Acme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gorgeous Sunset at Concho de Perla, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-69UDicSqXI0/UD50VaMV1SI/AAAAAAAABZ0/8xQRwC0SOI0/s200/Concha+de+Perla+Sunset+CC+Acme.jpg" title="Gorgeous Sunset at Concho de Perla, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Gorgeous Sunset at Concho de Perla<br />
Photograph from Creative Commons Taken by Acme</b> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVnYdfoBNxY/UD50BQOu-kI/AAAAAAAABZk/bAeT8rFduQQ/s1600/concha_perla_foto_03+NPSjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wooden Walkway to Concho de Perla, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVnYdfoBNxY/UD50BQOu-kI/AAAAAAAABZk/bAeT8rFduQQ/s200/concha_perla_foto_03+NPSjpg.jpg" title="Wooden Walkway to Concho de Perla, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Wooden Walkway to Concho de Perla<br />
Photograph from Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7ROLxpkClw/UD50pNm5msI/AAAAAAAABaE/ulqpsiRssXI/s1600/concha_perla_foto_09NPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Underwater Marine Life at Concho de Perla, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7ROLxpkClw/UD50pNm5msI/AAAAAAAABaE/ulqpsiRssXI/s200/concha_perla_foto_09NPS.jpg" title="Underwater Marine Life at Concho de Perla, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Underwater at Concho de Perla<br />
Photograph by Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The visitors' site Concha de Perla is in Puerto Villamil. It is a public site, no guide required, and a reasonable bicycle ride. In fact, though you cannot ride your bike on the Perla walkway itself, bike racks are provided. Access to the site is by a wooden walkway that runs through a mangrove forest up to an intertidal pond. At this shallow and calm bay, you will see just how crystal clear the water can be. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Here you may see sea turtles, penguins, sea lions, many tropical fish and rays. Concha de Perla is structured as a kind of hollow circular enclosure of natural rock, which is fed by the sea with the changing tides. Locals use this site as a place for swimming and snorkeling. In the mangroves and rocks present along the walkway to the Laguna Concha de Perla, there is a small colony of sea lions.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ff3V4IstaPM/UD50oVG-g6I/AAAAAAAABZ8/AAWW-YSbjts/s1600/concha_perla_foto_04NPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Concho de Perla, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="108" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ff3V4IstaPM/UD50oVG-g6I/AAAAAAAABZ8/AAWW-YSbjts/s200/concha_perla_foto_04NPS.jpg" title="Concho de Perla, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Concho de Perla<br />
Photograph by Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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An excellent resource for snorkelers near and around Concho de Perla is <a href="http://divingthegalapagos.com/the-galapagos-islands/shore-snorkeling-on-isla-isabela" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">divinginthegalapagos.com</a>.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Las Tintoreras</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p-lOxbpH_W8/UD86cVvoPcI/AAAAAAAABbw/-6TLe0ADrkM/s1600/las_tintoreras_foto_02NPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Las Tintoreras Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="175" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p-lOxbpH_W8/UD86cVvoPcI/AAAAAAAABbw/-6TLe0ADrkM/s320/las_tintoreras_foto_02NPS.jpg" title="Las Tintoreras Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pools at Las Tintoreras<br />
All Photographs from the Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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</span> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2T-NAn5QFew/UD86dmpsv-I/AAAAAAAABcI/Vd27V74x0Tc/s1600/las_tintoreras_foto_05NPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2T-NAn5QFew/UD86dmpsv-I/AAAAAAAABcI/Vd27V74x0Tc/s200/las_tintoreras_foto_05NPS.jpg" title="Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white;">A great site for both snorkelers and photographers is Las Tintoreras, a small stretch of lava islands just moments by panga from the main dock at Puerto Villamil harbor. The name itself means White Tipped Reef Shark and this site is aptly named - you simply won't believe your eyes when you are faced with literally dozens of Sharks swimming in small pools. One of the main pools - actually a narrow channel in which the sharks congregate during high tide - is just about 1 meter deep, so you are really able to see the sharks from above. They seem to be lazing on the bottom, barely moving. Certainly, they are not in a hurry to move away from human visitors to their territory. This is their primary breeding ground - their headquarters so to speak! <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3SW4iO-P7M/UD86d3XddVI/AAAAAAAABcQ/EOa-iwaVJa0/s1600/las_tintoreras_foto_06NPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Marine Iguanas at Las Tintoreras Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3SW4iO-P7M/UD86d3XddVI/AAAAAAAABcQ/EOa-iwaVJa0/s200/las_tintoreras_foto_06NPS.jpg" title="Marine Iguanas at Las Tintoreras Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></div>
At Las Tintoreras the snorkeling can be just amazing, particularly when you are able to greet the penguins and swim with the sea lions. <span style="background-color: white;">In addition, you are likely to encounter Sally Lightfoot Crabs, iguanas, rays and sea turtles. One of the fabulous sights at Las Tintoreras are the h</span>uge iquanas, literally hundreds of them, huddled on top of one another, just soaking in the sun.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-13P9nvCcdvU/UD9wsUbaiRI/AAAAAAAABdE/FepALyd5lko/s1600/Nolana_volcanica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Blooming Flowers at Las Tintoreras Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-13P9nvCcdvU/UD9wsUbaiRI/AAAAAAAABdE/FepALyd5lko/s200/Nolana_volcanica.jpg" title="Blooming Flowers at Las Tintoreras Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Nolana Galapageia Flower<br />
Photograph from WikiCommons</b></td></tr>
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The trail at Las Tintoreras is AA lava and there are both white and black sand beaches. In addition to the amazing marine life, you may see here a rare endemic plant called Nolana Galapageia. Most of the trail is lava AA, and you will have access to both a white sand beach and a black stone beach. <br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">La Calera</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f6z0LKjBA98/UD-mcVisaUI/AAAAAAAABkY/kZrB3PLr3JQ/s1600/calera_foto_02+NPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="La Calaera Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="175" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f6z0LKjBA98/UD-mcVisaUI/AAAAAAAABkY/kZrB3PLr3JQ/s320/calera_foto_02+NPS.jpg" title="La Calaera Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>La Calera<br />
All Photographs from Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xye7GwP4OAQ/UD-mc0WDY2I/AAAAAAAABkg/NDGrSe2rQ34/s1600/calera_foto_05NPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="La Calaera Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xye7GwP4OAQ/UD-mc0WDY2I/AAAAAAAABkg/NDGrSe2rQ34/s200/calera_foto_05NPS.jpg" title="La Calaera Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></div>
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La Calera is just minutes by panga from the pier in Puerto Villamil. You will experience a wet landing and then a short trail across some tidal pools. The limestone, sand and stone at La Calera has been used by island settlers as building material. This is a lovely locale in which to snorkel in a quiet lagoon. It is very similar in characteristics to Las Tintoreras.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Sulfur Mines</span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Surfur Mines on Isabela<br />
Photograph by Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Close Up of Surfur Coloration on Isabela<br />
Photograph by Galapagos National Park Service</b> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Approaching the Sulfur Mines<br />
Photograph from Creative Commons by Flurdy</b></td></tr>
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Located to the west of Sierra Negra Volcano, and beginning at the same departure point as that for Volcan Chico, the hike to the Sulfur Mines is unique and can be quite haunting because of the coloration of the lava, the isolation of the site, the starkness of the trails and the mist and fog that can hang over the terrain at certain times of year.<br />
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This site is rarely visited and not for the faint hearted. It's deep into the interior of Isabela and about a 45-minute drive from Puerto Villamil, then quite a trek on horseback to the site itself. You are allowed to camp and hike at this site, provided you have received permission and are accompanied by a certified guide.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Steaming Sulfur and Sulfur Formations<br />
Photographs from Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Summary of Visitor Sites on Isabela Island</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Isabela Island is a wonderland. In this post, I have provided you just a taste of the diversity and beauty accessible from the town of Puerto Villamil. Now, with your eyes wide open, prepare to be awed by the extraordinary and unique locations that await you as you travel around the island by boat - that will be the focus of soon-to-be published <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/10/isabela-island-visitor-sites-part-ii_11.html" target="_blank">Part Two</a> of my Isabela Island guide. Then, more rapturous and inspiring sites await you at Isabela's six volcanoes, the subject of <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/10/isabela-island-visitor-sites-part-iii.html" target="_blank">Part Three</a>.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-69258501758639204342016-02-28T09:46:00.001-06:002016-02-28T09:46:35.985-06:00Isabela Island Part II - Sites Visited by Boat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white;">Geography of Isabela Island </span></h3>
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-N45VhKrJ0/UDvduyUD4dI/AAAAAAAABR4/MsCF-ocUXVc/s1600/map+from+jungle+photos.com+isabela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Map of Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-N45VhKrJ0/UDvduyUD4dI/AAAAAAAABR4/MsCF-ocUXVc/s200/map+from+jungle+photos.com+isabela.jpg" title="Map of Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="157" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Map of Isabela from JunglePhotos.com<br />Map reproduced with permission from Instituto Geografico Militar del Ecuador</b></span></td></tr>
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If you read <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/10/isabela-island-visitor-sites-part-i_4.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Part I</span> </a>of my Isabela post about visitor sites on Isla Isabela, you know:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWCMQY5mz9s/UFuizc8gedI/AAAAAAAACQU/4LumAfpBAJw/s1600/DSC_0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Blue Footed Boobies Mating Dance" border="0" height="224" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWCMQY5mz9s/UFuizc8gedI/AAAAAAAACQU/4LumAfpBAJw/s320/DSC_0247.JPG" title="Blue Footed Boobies Mating Dance" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Blue Footed Boobies Mating Dance</b></td></tr>
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<li>is the largest island in the Galapagos</li>
<li>comprises a full 60% of the total land mass in the Galapagos National Park and Reserve. </li>
<li>is the product of not one, but six integrated separate still-active volcanoes. </li>
<li>has a magnificent and diverse landscape with many individually interesting tour sites and attractions. </li>
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<span style="font-size: small;">If your cruise takes you to the western sid<span style="font-size: small;">e of <span style="font-size: small;">Ecuado<span style="font-size: small;">r's</span></span> Galapagos Islands, your ship will take you to marvelous<span style="font-size: small;"> inlets, cove<span style="font-size: small;">s<span style="font-size: small;">, beaches and pools <span style="font-size: small;">all around <span style="font-size: small;">Is<span style="font-size: small;">abela Island. <span style="font-size: small;">This post will bring you yet another new <span style="font-size: small;">point of vi<span style="font-size: small;">ew and opportunity for learning and experiencing, <span style="font-size: small;">n</span>ot from the land, as my la<span style="font-size: small;">st post, but from the <span style="font-size: small;">beautiful<span style="font-size: small;">, stunning and ever<span style="font-size: small;"> chang<span style="font-size: small;">ing <span style="font-size: small;">Pa<span style="font-size: small;">cific <span style="font-size: small;">Ocean</span></span></span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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Each visitor to Isabela will experience this enchanted ground from a different perspective and Isabela has something to offer everyone. In <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/10/isabela-island-visitor-sites-part-i_4.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Part I</span></a> of our tour of the vast resources of Isla Isabela we visited the town of Puerto Villamil and the many intriguing visitor sites accessible from this small hamlet of just 2200 souls. Here, we focus on the astoundingly beautiful and diverse inlets, coves, beaches, snorkel and mangrove sites surrounding the island and visited by boat or panga. In <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/10/isabela-island-visitor-sites-part-iii.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Part III</span> </a> of our Isabela dream vacation, we will hike through the rugged, rough and moon-like terrain to its miraculous volcanoes.</div>
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This article will guide you through the most significant visitor sites accessible only by boat, usually by cruise ship. With rare exception, these sites are part of the Galapagos National Park system and heavily monitored and regulated for preservation and conservation purposes; human traffic is restricted.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Playa Tortuga Negra – <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Black</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Turtle</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place></b></span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Playa Tortuga Negra<br />All Photographs from Galapagos National Park Service Unless Stated</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Playa Tortuga Negra Aerial View<br />Showing the Extended Beachfront</b></td></tr>
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Black Turtle Point is located in the far west of <st1:place w:st="on">Isabela Island</st1:place>. It is an exceptionally interesting site in terms of its formation. A significant seismic uplift occurred here in 1975. Until that time, the shoreline was lined with Red and White Mangrove trees. When the terrain lifted and expanded outward, the trees, which flourish only when their roots are embedded in the ocean's salt water, were left landlocked. With no place for their roots, most of the trees died. This is a very different site now than it was just a few decades ago.</div>
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The beach gets its name from the color of its "sand". The "sand" - really finely crushed lava - here is black as the result of sedimentation and erosion of volcanic material. Imagine this beautiful vista that awaits you: coal black sand, a sparkling crystal sea with small white caps, and a gorgeous azure blue sky with puffs of white clouds. This is <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Black</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Turtle</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place>. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tfhv0hhQQUs/UD90ElWkBpI/AAAAAAAABd4/lTr-eqajBnQ/s1600/Black+turtle+beach+showing+black+stony+sand+by+Tim+Ellis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Green Tortoise on Black Stone Beach at Playa Tortuga Negra, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tfhv0hhQQUs/UD90ElWkBpI/AAAAAAAABd4/lTr-eqajBnQ/s200/Black+turtle+beach+showing+black+stony+sand+by+Tim+Ellis.jpg" title="Green Tortoise on Black Stone Beach at Playa Tortuga Negra, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Green Tortoise on Black Stone Volcanic Rock Beach<br />Photograph from Creative Commons by Tim Ellis</b></td></tr>
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And, if that stunning visual image alone were not enough, this locale is significant also as a turtle nesting area and for its proliferation of sea lions and marine iguanas. Of course, this area is heavily protected.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F6Rg_T949pM/UDUyjb228hI/AAAAAAAABJI/SpdZ6XL1KTQ/s1600/Mangrove+Finch+Wiki+Commons.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mangrove Finch found at Black Turtle Beach, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F6Rg_T949pM/UDUyjb228hI/AAAAAAAABJI/SpdZ6XL1KTQ/s200/Mangrove+Finch+Wiki+Commons.jpeg" title="Mangrove Finch found at Black Turtle Beach, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="138" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mangrove Finch<br />Photo WikiCommons</b></td></tr>
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At Black Turtle Beach, you will see that there is still a small forest of black, red and white mangroves. The Mangrove Finch, listed as an endangered species, finds its home here. Though it's unlikely that a visitor will see a Mangrove Finch, this is a stunning place for photographs nevertheless. For information on Mangrove Finch <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangrove_Finch">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangrove_Finch</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sunset at Black Turtle Beach<br />Photograph from Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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Black Turtle Beach is highly representative of the geological history and diversity of the Galapagos Islands in general and Isabela Island in particular.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Elizabeth Bay</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FSaWxUDZKI4/UD96KPchpVI/AAAAAAAABgM/bokKWjPe4wM/s1600/Elizabeth+Bay+penguin+Cindy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Galapagos Penguin at Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FSaWxUDZKI4/UD96KPchpVI/AAAAAAAABgM/bokKWjPe4wM/s200/Elizabeth+Bay+penguin+Cindy.jpg" title="Galapagos Penguin at Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="145" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Galapagos Penguin<br />Photograph Cindy Procter-King</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DcgX2XC2kTg/UD96JjeA42I/AAAAAAAABf8/jM2_BVxR0P4/s1600/Elizabeth+Bay+Pelican+in+Mangrove+Swamp+by+Cindy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pelican in Mangroves at Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DcgX2XC2kTg/UD96JjeA42I/AAAAAAAABf8/jM2_BVxR0P4/s200/Elizabeth+Bay+Pelican+in+Mangrove+Swamp+by+Cindy.jpg" title="Pelican in Mangroves at Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pelican in Red Mangroves<br />Photograph Cindy Proeter-King</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Trips to Elizabeth Bay are restricted by the National Park Service. This inlet on the far western coast of Isabela at the Perry Isthmus is accessible by panga and no landings are allowed. The Bay is located where Volcans Sierra Negra and Alcedo join. </span><span style="background-color: white;">This gorgeous marine bay is a wonder to behold. The reason is clear once you are there: this is the situs of the largest concentration of Galapagos Penguins anywhere in the world, along with a significant population of Blue Footed Boobies.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">Here is just a taste of what might await you at Elizabeth Bay:</span> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cefD14x5_pw/UD95_CxtaOI/AAAAAAAABfk/prwWIhvcTqM/s1600/isabela+elizabethbay+lots+of+penguins+swimming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Penguins Swimming in Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cefD14x5_pw/UD95_CxtaOI/AAAAAAAABfk/prwWIhvcTqM/s320/isabela+elizabethbay+lots+of+penguins+swimming.jpg" title="Penguins Swimming in Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTUaV_RhHjk/UD92JBPD6aI/AAAAAAAABeI/0zmljs1ieJI/s1600/Elizabeth_Bay_-Isabela_Island_-birds+by+Mark+Putney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Penguins and Blue Footed Boobies at Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="208" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTUaV_RhHjk/UD92JBPD6aI/AAAAAAAABeI/0zmljs1ieJI/s320/Elizabeth_Bay_-Isabela_Island_-birds+by+Mark+Putney.jpg" title="Penguins and Blue Footed Boobies at Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Penguins and Blue Footed Boobies at Elizabeth Bay<br />Photograph from Creative Commons by Mark Putney</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xq31sozq0Cs/UD96J0Wk_HI/AAAAAAAABgE/YBwWHaFXPgc/s1600/Elizabeth+Bay+Red+mangroves+by+Cindy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Panga approaching mangrove swamp near Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xq31sozq0Cs/UD96J0Wk_HI/AAAAAAAABgE/YBwWHaFXPgc/s200/Elizabeth+Bay+Red+mangroves+by+Cindy.jpg" title="Panga approaching mangrove swamp near Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Panga Approaching Mangrove Swamp<br />Photograph by Cindy Procter-King</b></td></tr>
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The beauty of this site continues as your panga takes you to an area surrounded by red mangroves. Hopefully, your guide will have the panga engines turned off so that you can listen to the calm that surrounds you. The silence is broken only by the calls of frigate birds, splashes of sea lions and swoosh of brown pelicans as they dive for food. From the panga you should be able to look into the water below and experience sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, golden rays and even flightless cormorants. Cindy Procter-King wrote some delightful blog posts about her experiences at Elizabeth Bay and you can <b><a href="http://cindyprocter-king.com/blog/category/galapagos-2012/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">read more</a> </b>here.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Punta Moreno</span></h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8wp8ZUX0AJc/UDUxEZhoVqI/AAAAAAAABI4/ydYfZT78s6g/s1600/punta_moreno_foto_02NPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Punta Moreno, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="174" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8wp8ZUX0AJc/UDUxEZhoVqI/AAAAAAAABI4/ydYfZT78s6g/s320/punta_moreno_foto_02NPS.jpg" title="Punta Moreno, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FkZ-Ps5kry4/UDUxEowFR2I/AAAAAAAABJA/FMSVSzUJU5k/s1600/punta_moreno_foto_03NPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Punta Moreno Showing Pahohoe Lava Formations, Flamingo, Cacti and Mangroves, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="174" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FkZ-Ps5kry4/UDUxEowFR2I/AAAAAAAABJA/FMSVSzUJU5k/s320/punta_moreno_foto_03NPS.jpg" title="Punta Moreno Showing Pahohoe Lava Formations, Flamingo, Cacti and Mangroves, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Punta Moreno<br />Showing Pahohoe Lava Formations, Flamingo, Cacti and Mangroves<br />Photographs from Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A5tokvv8cYk/UDUwS7POhAI/AAAAAAAABHI/NCq0CDEMIss/s1600/isabela+puntamoreno+pahoehoe+lava+and+cactus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Punta Moreno Pahohoe lava, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A5tokvv8cYk/UDUwS7POhAI/AAAAAAAABHI/NCq0CDEMIss/s200/isabela+puntamoreno+pahoehoe+lava+and+cactus.jpg" title="Punta Moreno Pahohoe lava, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Punta Moreno<br />Pahohoe Lava Formation</b></td></tr>
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Moreno Point offers the opportunity for a hike and views that you will see no where else in the Islands. The pahohoe lava formations are highly challenging for hiking. While some visitors see modern art, surrealistic elements, shadows of ancient relics, and other representation forms, the lava evokes for me images of millions of years ago when Isabela Island was formed by massive volcanic eruptions and lava flows. Here, you walk across about 700 meters of difficult broken lava formations; the area is open, a breeze is unusual and it can get very hot. Though the hike may be a challenge, it is all the more rewarding once you see your first green sea turtle, flamingo or white-tipped shark along the way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDsy7HOUcag/UD9__x5vZrI/AAAAAAAABhE/Rzge9WEoSzM/s1600/Punta+Moreno+Lava+Formation+Cindy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Walking on Punta Moreno Pahohoe lava, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDsy7HOUcag/UD9__x5vZrI/AAAAAAAABhE/Rzge9WEoSzM/s200/Punta+Moreno+Lava+Formation+Cindy.jpg" title="Walking on Punta Moreno Pahohoe lava, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Walking on Lava at Punta Moreno<br />Photograph by Cindy Procter-King</b></td></tr>
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Punta Moreno is located on the north coast of Isabela Island between the Sierra Negra volcano and Cerro Azul volcano. The distance of the trail is about 2100 meters, and it runs along a pahohoe lava flow into a complex of coastal lagoons.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9aYYUePT_Qc/UDEEj7qJR_I/AAAAAAAAA9U/pAT-KSeGggc/s1600/Galapagos12+%25280001-37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Species of Cacti Found on Punta Moreno" border="0" height="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9aYYUePT_Qc/UDEEj7qJR_I/AAAAAAAAA9U/pAT-KSeGggc/s200/Galapagos12+%25280001-37.jpg" title="Species of Cacti Found on Punta Moreno" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Species of Cacti Found on Punta Moreno<br />Photograph by AquaSurround</b></td></tr>
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Vegetation is sparse at Punta Moreno; the density and depth of the lava sees to that. However, there are isolated areas of mangrove trees around the lakes. There are also three species of cacti found here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1sukDBloReg/UDUwR8VYNiI/AAAAAAAABG4/kHrQieJ3_yw/s1600/isabela+puntamoreno+hundreds+of+marine+birds+fishing+for+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marine Birds at Punta Moreno" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1sukDBloReg/UDUwR8VYNiI/AAAAAAAABG4/kHrQieJ3_yw/s200/isabela+puntamoreno+hundreds+of+marine+birds+fishing+for+food.jpg" title="Marine Birds at Punta Moreno" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Marine Birds at Punta Moreno</b></td></tr>
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The main attractions at Punta Moreno are coastal lagoons and black lava flows that are home to many bird species. It has a panoramic view of three active volcanoes: Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul on Isabela as well as La Cumbre on Fernandina Island.<br />
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An excellent source for experiencing Punta Moreno for the first time is <a href="http://cindyprocter-king.com/blog/galapagos-day-8-my-first-boobies/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cindy Procter-King's blog</a>. Her photos (below) tell a little of the story.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G1XjBc5VCWo/UD9__QXffdI/AAAAAAAABhA/YrVd7-WNABU/s1600/Punta+Moreno+Flamingo+in+Lagoon+Cindy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Flamingo in a Tidal Pool at Punta Moreno, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="268" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G1XjBc5VCWo/UD9__QXffdI/AAAAAAAABhA/YrVd7-WNABU/s320/Punta+Moreno+Flamingo+in+Lagoon+Cindy.jpg" title="Flamingo in a Tidal Pool at Punta Moreno, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Flamingo in a Tidal Pool</b></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-582eETGKZys/UD-AADRqU9I/AAAAAAAABhQ/p69bdi8-_Bs/s1600/Punta+Moreno+Sea+Turtle+Cindy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sea turtle at Punta Moreno, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="248" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-582eETGKZys/UD-AADRqU9I/AAAAAAAABhQ/p69bdi8-_Bs/s320/Punta+Moreno+Sea+Turtle+Cindy.jpg" title="Sea turtle at Punta Moreno, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Punta Albemarle</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f4F4Gc7P-KI/UD-AejifprI/AAAAAAAABh4/DLhkjyFd_4c/s1600/Punta+Albemarle+Panorama+by+Phillip+Marsh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Punta Albemarle Panorama" border="0" height="90" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f4F4Gc7P-KI/UD-AejifprI/AAAAAAAABh4/DLhkjyFd_4c/s400/Punta+Albemarle+Panorama+by+Phillip+Marsh.jpg" title="Punta Albemarle Panorama" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Punta Albemarle Panorama<br />Photograph from Creative Commons by Philip Marsh</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pqmnv80azFA/UD-Ac5DshTI/AAAAAAAABhg/eA79jaRWpCU/s1600/Punta+Albemarle+Brown+Pelican+by+mrccos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Brown Pelican at Albemarle, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pqmnv80azFA/UD-Ac5DshTI/AAAAAAAABhg/eA79jaRWpCU/s200/Punta+Albemarle+Brown+Pelican+by+mrccos.jpg" title="Brown Pelican at Albemarle, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Brown Pelican at Albemarle<br />Photo Creative Commons by mrccos</b></td></tr>
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Punta Albemarle, the northernmost visitor’s spot on Isla Isabela, has two separate attractions. The first is a mangrove area located between several different Pahohoe lava floes. If you have the opportunity to travel here, it will be by panga. Separately, you may see the former radar base used by the <st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place> during World War II.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g8K4SQKFwAU/UD-AdUf5NAI/AAAAAAAABho/XUnL9JR6gVo/s1600/Punta+Albemarle+Galapagos+Hawk+by+mrccos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Soaring Galapagos Hawk at Albemarle, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="160" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g8K4SQKFwAU/UD-AdUf5NAI/AAAAAAAABho/XUnL9JR6gVo/s200/Punta+Albemarle+Galapagos+Hawk+by+mrccos.jpg" title="Soaring Galapagos Hawk at Albemarle, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Galapagos Hawk at Albemarle<br />Photograph Creative Commons by mrccos</b></td></tr>
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Below are additional examples of some of the bird and marine life represented at Punta Albemarle. These photographs are all by Philip Marsh, courtesy of Creative Commons. At Albemarle there are many large marine iguanas – the largest in the entire Galapagos system. Other species at Punta Albemarle include flightless cormorants, multiple types of sea birds and ever-present sea lions.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4p5Ofk-rvc/UD-AcAVjK_I/AAAAAAAABhY/_oHtzL8vWsE/s1600/Punta+Albemarle+Birds+and+lava+rocks+by+Phillip+Marsh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Flightless Cormorants at Albemarle, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4p5Ofk-rvc/UD-AcAVjK_I/AAAAAAAABhY/_oHtzL8vWsE/s320/Punta+Albemarle+Birds+and+lava+rocks+by+Phillip+Marsh.jpg" title="Flightless Cormorants at Albemarle, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y22DTaeYK50/UD-Aguv9bjI/AAAAAAAABiY/KCBv5t218xg/s1600/Punta+Albemarle+by+Phllip+Marsh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Marine Iguanas at Albemarle, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y22DTaeYK50/UD-Aguv9bjI/AAAAAAAABiY/KCBv5t218xg/s320/Punta+Albemarle+by+Phllip+Marsh.jpg" title="Marine Iguanas at Albemarle, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JAujB3aDA08/UD-Afq15lGI/AAAAAAAABiI/x6EY_oSGyvU/s1600/Punta+Albemarle+bird+by+Phillip+Marsh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sally Lightfoot crabs and birdlife at Albemarle, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JAujB3aDA08/UD-Afq15lGI/AAAAAAAABiI/x6EY_oSGyvU/s320/Punta+Albemarle+bird+by+Phillip+Marsh.jpg" title="Sally Lightfoot crabs and birdlife at Albemarle, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6ormYQ9zVc/UD-Ae21oJiI/AAAAAAAABiA/9HuGdsqJhAc/s1600/Punta+Albemarle+View+from+Sea+Cave+by+Phillip+Marsh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="sea cave at Albemarle, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6ormYQ9zVc/UD-Ae21oJiI/AAAAAAAABiA/9HuGdsqJhAc/s320/Punta+Albemarle+View+from+Sea+Cave+by+Phillip+Marsh.jpg" title="sea cave at Albemarle, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sea Cave at Punta Albemarle<br />Photograph Creative Commons by Philip Marsh</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cnTEvtkwm7c/UDYWfTxgRoI/AAAAAAAABJ8/HLJqgNK5V3E/s1600/isabela+urvinabay+beach+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Beach at Urbina Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cnTEvtkwm7c/UDYWfTxgRoI/AAAAAAAABJ8/HLJqgNK5V3E/s320/isabela+urvinabay+beach+front.jpg" title="The Beach at Urbina Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Beach at Urbina Bay</b></td></tr>
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<st1:placename w:st="on">Urbina</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Bay</st1:placetype> is located between Tagus Cove and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Elizabeth</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Bay</st1:placename></st1:place> on Isabela’s west coast at the foot of Alcedo Volcano. This is a beautiful location to walk on a white sandy beach that abuts dark volcanic lava formations – the contrast in color and texture is striking.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Le1cO1J_h8/UDYWoGPRvpI/AAAAAAAABMM/ozlxPjD7GWs/s1600/urbinacoral+from+umd+edu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Coral on Uplifted area at Urbina Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Le1cO1J_h8/UDYWoGPRvpI/AAAAAAAABMM/ozlxPjD7GWs/s200/urbinacoral+from+umd+edu.jpg" title="Coral on Uplifted area at Urbina Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="146" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Coral on Uplifted Area<br />Photo University of Maryland</b></td></tr>
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A major seismic uplift happened at Urbina Bay in 1954. The land rose over 16 feet, causing a ½ - ¾ mile wide expansion of the shoreline. In other words, the reef that was underwater and off of the shore became the shoreline. In a moment of time, marine life that was swimming on and above that reef became stranded out of water on a new shore. According to reports at the time, the uplift was noticed by passing fishermen who smelled the stranded marine life. Apparently the land shifted so quickly that the fish and other sea creatures had no time to swim to safety.</div>
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Coral was very much affected by this activity as well and, today, boulder-sized pieces of coral may still be seen on the area of the uplift. It’s worth noting here that many tourists are tempted to touch the coral – it is strange and beautiful. But, it breaks and disintegrates at the slightest interference so touching is forbidden. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eoQ-yikfzFc/UDYWnDZ8chI/AAAAAAAABL8/q4qyERCpuTU/s1600/urbina+stranded+massive+coral+from+umd+edu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Coral on Uplifted area at Urbina Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eoQ-yikfzFc/UDYWnDZ8chI/AAAAAAAABL8/q4qyERCpuTU/s200/urbina+stranded+massive+coral+from+umd+edu.jpg" title="Coral on Uplifted area at Urbina Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Massive Coral Uplift<br />Photograph University of Maryland</b></td></tr>
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Just weeks after the uplift occurred, Volcan Alcedo erupted.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oPmZ-k-mknc/UDYWl8JZWhI/AAAAAAAABLk/cAQ6NhrGGRM/s1600/isabela+urvinabay+turtle+nests.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Giant Galapagos Tortoise Nests at Urbina Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oPmZ-k-mknc/UDYWl8JZWhI/AAAAAAAABLk/cAQ6NhrGGRM/s200/isabela+urvinabay+turtle+nests.jpg" title="Giant Galapagos Tortoise Nests at Urbina Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Turtle Nests Urbina Bay</b></td></tr>
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The trail at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Urbina</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Bay</st1:placetype></st1:place> is approximately 3200 meters, often a hot trek where you will need plenty of water. Once you achieve your wet landing on the beachfront (notably the wave activity here can be heavy), and have an opportunity to see the strange and wonderful results of the uplift, your hike will take you through the panoply of volcanic formations. You will be able to observe sand substrates, pumice rock, lava, coral and vegetative formations.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B4lk6HsQrgw/UDYWhCvkjAI/AAAAAAAABKc/2YkoEQYFwCA/s1600/isabela+urvinabay+iguana+coming+out+of+his+burrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Land Iguana and Burrow at Urbina Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B4lk6HsQrgw/UDYWhCvkjAI/AAAAAAAABKc/2YkoEQYFwCA/s200/isabela+urvinabay+iguana+coming+out+of+his+burrow.jpg" title="Land Iguana and Burrow at Urbina Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Iguana and Burrow at Urbina Bay</b></td></tr>
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One of the most exciting things awaiting you are the huge land iguanas and their deep sand burrows; don’t step on these guys – even though they may make it difficult for you as they lay quietly directly in your path. <b><a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/07/galapagos-marine-and-land-iguanas.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Read more</span></a> </b>about the Galapagos Island Iguana in my earlier post<b>.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEvT8Q1qVwM/UD-D3CUruvI/AAAAAAAABjg/sNdCulZlwM4/s1600/Urbina+Bay+Tortoise+Cindy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Giant Galapagos Turtle in the wild at Urbina Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="146" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEvT8Q1qVwM/UD-D3CUruvI/AAAAAAAABjg/sNdCulZlwM4/s200/Urbina+Bay+Tortoise+Cindy.jpg" title="Giant Galapagos Turtle in the wild at Urbina Bay, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Turtle in Wild at Urbina Bay<br />Photograph by Cindy Procter-King</b></td></tr>
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Other Galapagos iconic species that use this area for nesting are Galapagos Tortoises, flightless cormorants, brown pelicans and Galapagos Penguins. Since 95% of the Galapagos Penguins live on the two most western islands – Isabela and Fernandina – sitings are more likely here than in many other locations throughout the archipelago. In the summer, particularly, you might see the giant tortoises as they migrate from the highlands to lowlands for breeding purposes.</div>
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This area is also a great place for snorkeling. Green sea turtles, rays and even spiny lobsters frequent these waters.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Roca Rodando</b></span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Kjn0dOZxlU/UD-ssnjvnvI/AAAAAAAABlg/QnYJSEnZlhc/s1600/Roca+Rodando+at+Dusk+by+Arkntina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Roca Rodando at Dusk, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Kjn0dOZxlU/UD-ssnjvnvI/AAAAAAAABlg/QnYJSEnZlhc/s320/Roca+Rodando+at+Dusk+by+Arkntina.jpg" title="Roca Rodando at Dusk, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Roca Rodando at Dusk<br />Photograph from Creative Commons by Arkitina</b></td></tr>
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This photograph depicts the dramatic, almost surrealistic, view as you near Roca Rodando: a barren monolithic structure emerging from the sea about 30 kilometers from the northwest tip of Isla Isabela. Because it is out of the way, not many travelers have the opportunity to visit Roca Redonda (Round or Rolling Rock), but those who do experience some of nature's true glory. And with that, generally comes a bit of introspection and calm. Roca Rodando can be said to be in the middle of no where and its gravity and presence are surprising. This solitary monumental rock, with extremely steep cliffs and a flat top, rises nearly 1000 feet above the sea. The top of a shield volcano, Roca Redonda has a huge underwater circumference of 18 kilometers (46 miles).<br />
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Though viewed only from a boat, and inaccessible except for divers and some strong snorkelers, it still is a stunningly visual and memorable sight. You may be lucky enough to see Roca Redonda as you travel around the top of Isabela Island or on your way to Wolf or Darwin Island.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f2y2krd0ELg/UFyCpy7xa8I/AAAAAAAACRg/edLLNJYW4FQ/s1600/April+30+Sante+Fe+Island+IMG_1109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gull protecting her baby at Roca Rodando, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f2y2krd0ELg/UFyCpy7xa8I/AAAAAAAACRg/edLLNJYW4FQ/s200/April+30+Sante+Fe+Island+IMG_1109.jpg" title="Gull protecting her baby at Roca Rodando, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>In this photo the mother is protecting a<br />chick between her feet.</b></td></tr>
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Those who do dive here will experience colder water than in many other locations, due to the Cromwell Current. Several lava flows can be observed on the island and in the shallow water and there are various caves. Seabirds live here, for example the swallow tailed gulls (Larus furcatus). These gulls are endemic to the Galapagos and the world's only night-feeding gull. It has unusual large eyes surrounded by red circles and feeds on squid that come to the surface, usually about 15-30km distance from the nearest land.<br />
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The water temperatures are very low here, because of the cold Cromwell current. Diving can be difficult because of the strong currents, unpredictable downcurrents, eddies and the heavy surge. Divers are apt to see sea lions, schools of scalloped hammerheads, yellow tailed surgeonfishes, barracudas, jacks, Galapagos grunts, king angelfishes, Galapagos and white tipped sharks, mantas, and even sunfish. With luck you can also find sea horses. A special attraction is on the Southeast Side of the island. There are several underwater steam vents and gas bubbles rising to the surface, evidence that the volcano is still active.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Caleta Tagus - Tagus Cove</b></span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rock Face at Tagus Cove</b></td></tr>
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Tagus Cove is located west of Darwin Volcano. You will have a dry landing to a stairway built into the rock and continuing onto an 1800 meter trail running along a rugged lava terrain. A highly unusual sight here is the graffiti scratched into the rocks; most of these inscriptions are more than 100 years old and link back to a time when this area was populated by pirates and whalers. Even today, whalers scratch the names of their boats on the rock face.<br />
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The trail at Tagus Cove leads to <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/10/isabela-island-visitor-sites-part-iii.html" target="_blank">Darwin Lake and Darwin Volcano</a>, both of which are discussed in Part III of the Isabela Visitor Sites posting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ERmzIf8iN7U/UD_sjQBTnVI/AAAAAAAABmw/gyWjboknfXU/s1600/Targus+flightless+cormorants+creativec+HBarrison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Flightless Cormorants at Tagus Cove, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ERmzIf8iN7U/UD_sjQBTnVI/AAAAAAAABmw/gyWjboknfXU/s200/Targus+flightless+cormorants+creativec+HBarrison.jpg" title="Flightless Cormorants at Tagus Cove, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Flightless Cormorants at Tagus Cove<br />Photograph from Wiki</b></td></tr>
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Tagus Cove itself is quite beautiful and perfect for a delightful panga ride. The water here is colder than most in the Galapagos Marine Reserve because of the Cromwell Current and this makes it a perfect locale for siting Galapagos penguins. Also frequently seen here are Flightless Cormorants, one of the most interesting of the Islands' endemic species.<br />
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Another frequently seen bird is the comical and delightful Blue Footed Boobie. No matter what, your visit to Tagus Cove and its surroundings will be memorable, but maybe you will be lucky enough to see Blue Footed Boobies diving into the water as in the following video, by Galaticatt, which I found on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaUbPCbLM8Q&list=UUzRoM0kvVjSYyeBCpwOch4g&index=10&feature=plcp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Youtube</a>.<br />
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Another dramatic and stirring video of the area can be seen by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2xK9PsRwPA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Vicente Roca Point</span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Vicente Roca Point <br />Photograph by Pablo Castillo</b></td></tr>
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For a 360 degree panoramic view of Vicente Roca Point also by Pablo Castillo, <a href="http://www.360cities.net/image/galapagos-punta-vicente-roca-isabela-island-galapagos-islands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>click here</b></a>. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Brown Noddy Bird at Vicente Roca Point<br />Photographs from Creative Commons by Mark Putney</b></td></tr>
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Vicente Roca Point, located on the north-western coast of the island, is comprised of two separate coves and is not a landing site. This large bay is a spectacular location for viewing a variety of marine and avian life, some that you are unlikely to encounter anywhere else on your journey.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Fur Seal at Vicente Roca Point<br />Photograph from Creative Commons by Mark Putney</b> </td></tr>
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This bay is great for diving and snorkeling. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-biU7FG6BO-I/UECjygYthGI/AAAAAAAABqA/a-pQDB9PZjM/s1600/Vincente+Roca+Point+Sea+Turtle+by+bbum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sea Turtle at Vicente Roca Point, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-biU7FG6BO-I/UECjygYthGI/AAAAAAAABqA/a-pQDB9PZjM/s200/Vincente+Roca+Point+Sea+Turtle+by+bbum.jpg" title="Sea Turtle at Vicente Roca Point, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sea Turtle at Vicente Roca Point<br />Photograph from Creative Commons by bbum</b></td></tr>
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Seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola-mola (sunfish) may be spotted here. Even fur seals bask on the sundrenched rocks at Vicente Roca Point.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHUr7geG3V8/UECjxnkSP5I/AAAAAAAABpw/1nPyRNFdvWU/s1600/Vincent+Roca+Point+Fur+Seals+CC+Putney+Mark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fur Seals at Vicente Roca Point, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="126" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHUr7geG3V8/UECjxnkSP5I/AAAAAAAABpw/1nPyRNFdvWU/s200/Vincent+Roca+Point+Fur+Seals+CC+Putney+Mark.jpg" title="Fur Seals at Vicente Roca Point, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Fur Seal at Vicente Roca Point<br />Photograph from Creative Commons by Mark Putney</b> </td></tr>
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Nazca and blue-footed boobies sitting on the steep rocks, while cormorants inhabit the shoreline.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0sayCRtvPyo/UECjzPWVCOI/AAAAAAAABqI/GyMveYA-vSk/s1600/Vincente+Roca+Point+Sunset+by+Roubicek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunset at Vicente Roca Point, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0sayCRtvPyo/UECjzPWVCOI/AAAAAAAABqI/GyMveYA-vSk/s320/Vincente+Roca+Point+Sunset+by+Roubicek.jpg" title="Sunset at Vicente Roca Point, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sunset at Vicente Roca Point<br />Photograph from Creative Commons by Roubicek</b></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-56607170418134474932016-02-28T09:45:00.001-06:002016-02-28T09:46:51.962-06:00Isabela Island Part III - Hiking the Volcanoes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white;">Introduction to Isabela Island</span></h3>
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-N45VhKrJ0/UDvduyUD4dI/AAAAAAAABR4/MsCF-ocUXVc/s1600/map+from+jungle+photos.com+isabela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Map of Isabela Island, Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-N45VhKrJ0/UDvduyUD4dI/AAAAAAAABR4/MsCF-ocUXVc/s200/map+from+jungle+photos.com+isabela.jpg" title="Map of Isabela Island, Galapagos Islands" width="157" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Map of Isabela from JunglePhotos.com<br />
Which reproduced it with permission from Instituto Geografico Militar del Ecuador</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyzFk0WdAgY/UDUKp_sNw_I/AAAAAAAABE4/ZCoUhbyOr4M/s1600/Sierra+Negra+CC+Michael+R+Perry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Landscape on Isabela Hiking Up Volcan Sierra Negra" border="0" height="132" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyzFk0WdAgY/UDUKp_sNw_I/AAAAAAAABE4/ZCoUhbyOr4M/s200/Sierra+Negra+CC+Michael+R+Perry.jpg" title="Landscape on Isabela Hiking Up Volcan Sierra Negra" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Landscape on Isabela Hiking Up Volcan Sierra Negra<br />
Photograph from CreativeCommons by Michael R. Perry</b></td></tr>
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If you read Parts I and II of my Isabela posts, you know that Isla Isabela:<br />
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<li>is the largest island in the Galapagos comprising a full 60% of the total land mass in the Galapagos National Park and Reserve. </li>
<li>is the product of not one, but six integrated separate still-active volcanoes. </li>
<li>has a magnificent and diverse landscape and sites and attractions inland and around the entire Island<b>.</b> </li>
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<span style="font-size: small;">In this post I will take you on a huge adventure: You will experience the diverse landscape, the enormous beauty and the majesty of the Galapagos Island, Isla Isabela, its creatures and their natural habitat by hiking the stunning volcanoes from which the island was created. Have fun on the journey - but be prepared, not all of this walking will be easy.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWCMQY5mz9s/UFuizc8gedI/AAAAAAAACQU/4LumAfpBAJw/s1600/DSC_0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mating Ritual of Blue Footed Boobies" border="0" height="224" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWCMQY5mz9s/UFuizc8gedI/AAAAAAAACQU/4LumAfpBAJw/s320/DSC_0247.JPG" title="Mating Ritual of Blue Footed Boobies" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mating Ritual of Blue Footed Boobies</b></td></tr>
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Here on Isabela, there is quite literally something for everyone. I take great pleasure when I observe how each one of of my guests experiences this enchanted ground from a difference perspective. Much is not predictable but I know that everyone will find something to love and treasure here. In <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/10/isabela-island-visitor-sites-part-i_4.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Part I</span></a> of our tour of the vast resources of Isla Isabela we visited the town of Puerto Villamil and the many intriguing visitor sites accessible from this small hamlet of just 2200 souls. In <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/10/isabela-island-visitor-sites-part-ii_11.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Part II</span></a>, I took you to the magnificent beaches, coves, inlets, mangrove forests and snorkeling sites that surround this diverse island. Here, in Part III, I focus on the challenging and intriguing hiking opportunities that await those with a sense of adventure who are eager to examine the volcanoes of Isabela and experience the moonscapes, lava formations, calderas on the land and the astonishing vistas of the island and ocean from atop this remarkable Isla Isabela.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9DBrrclCxYk/UFYpmcyA2_I/AAAAAAAACCY/2mYieIJwXlQ/s1600/Galapagos12+(0001-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lava Rock and Shield Volcano of Isabela Island" border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9DBrrclCxYk/UFYpmcyA2_I/AAAAAAAACCY/2mYieIJwXlQ/s320/Galapagos12+(0001-36.jpg" title="Lava Rock and Shield Volcano of Isabela Island" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Lava Rock and Shield Volcano<br />
Photograph by Aqua Surround</b></td></tr>
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I have written three extensive posts about the geography and geology of the Galapagos Islands. Learning how the volcanoes were formed by the <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/09/galapagos-island-geography-and-geology.html/galapagos-island-geography-and-geology_1590.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Movement of Tectonic Plates</span></a> and the eruption of lava that forms the actual <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/09/galapagos-island-geography-and-geology_16.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Volcanic Mountains</span></a> is a great introduction to understanding and differentiating the volcanoes of Isla Isabela. Reading about the <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/09/galapagos-island-geography-and-geology_1590.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Ocean Currents</span></a> will begin to acquaint you with the marine life and special creatures that live on the Galapagos Islands.<br />
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Isabela's volcanoes, from north to south, are Volcan Wolf, Volcan Ecuador, Volcan Darwin, Volvan Alcedo, Volcan Sierra Negra/Volcan Chico and Volcan Cerro Azul. All the volcanoes are still active, making Isabela one of the most volcanically active places on earth.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Volcan Wolf</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h_qat9Chh2I/UFYqAlvHBkI/AAAAAAAACCo/KxQYqNw_rTw/s1600/Wolf+by+Acme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Volcan Wolf on Isabela Island, Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="276" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h_qat9Chh2I/UFYqAlvHBkI/AAAAAAAACCo/KxQYqNw_rTw/s400/Wolf+by+Acme.jpg" title="Volcan Wolf on Isabela Island, Galapagos Islands" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Volcan Wolf<br />
Photograph from Creative Commons by Acme</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vxl1R_4rKBU/UFYqA5F4NZI/AAAAAAAACCw/pS7fXUaH9-8/s1600/Wolf+from+Horseback+through+the+mist+from+mylostwords+blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Volcan Wolf from Horseback on Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vxl1R_4rKBU/UFYqA5F4NZI/AAAAAAAACCw/pS7fXUaH9-8/s200/Wolf+from+Horseback+through+the+mist+from+mylostwords+blogspot.com.jpg" title="Volcan Wolf from Horseback on Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Wolf from Horseback from<br />
Mylostwords.blogspot.com</b></td></tr>
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Of all of the volcanoes in the Galapagos archipelago, Volcan Wolf has the highest elevation at 5600 feet. Notably the volcanoes in the western islands of Isabela and Fernandino do tend to be higher than those in the older eastern islands. Wolf has all the characteristics of a traditional shield volcano with a soup-bowl shape. Of <st1:place w:st="on">Isabela Island</st1:place>’s six volcanoes, it is the most northerly and is situated directly straddling the Equator. Its caldera is about 7 kilometers across and about 700 meters deep. The slopes to the caldera are quite steep; in some areas the grade is up to 35 degrees. The sheerness, along with the fact that this is Aa lava, make this a difficult climb. The combination of fresh green vegetation and old lava flows encircle the elongated caldera.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJMUe0wXBEU/UFYqCHPKqYI/AAAAAAAACDI/AK9wj5On75I/s1600/wolf+my+lost+words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Volcan Wolf Isabela Island Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJMUe0wXBEU/UFYqCHPKqYI/AAAAAAAACDI/AK9wj5On75I/s200/wolf+my+lost+words.jpg" title="Volcan Wolf Isabela Island Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Gorgeous View of Volcan Wolf<br />
from mylastwords.blogspot.com</b></td></tr>
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The most distinctive features of Volcan Wolf volcano, as with all Galápagos-type shields, are its shape and the distribution of volcanic vents, which are located in three clusters along its flank, below the caldera wall and on the caldera floor. This means, essentially, that it has three eruption sources. According to studies undertaken by <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Cornell</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place>, Volcan Wolf is also distinguished by its isotope ratios; it lava is more typical of eruptions that occur in the middle of the ocean than those on islands, in general. This is important because the relative and absolute concentrations of the elements and their isotopes in the Earth reveal information about the age of a rock, the source of air or water and chemical processes in the atmosphere at the time of the eruption. And, since Wolf is so remote, the dating process gives us much information that humans could not have recorded at the time of the eruptions.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVLotcvZAgE/UFYqBDGg05I/AAAAAAAACC4/O_PRCf-3HD4/s1600/Wolf+from+mylostwords.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Volcan Wolf Isabela Island Galapagos" border="0" height="98" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVLotcvZAgE/UFYqBDGg05I/AAAAAAAACC4/O_PRCf-3HD4/s200/Wolf+from+mylostwords.jpg" title="Volcan Wolf Isabela Island Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Volcan Wolf from</b><br />
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<st1:place w:st="on">Isabela Island</st1:place> itself is about 1,000,000 years old. However, actual record keeping of Volcan Wolf’s eruptions did not begin until 1797. These records reflect that since 1797, there have been 9 additional eruptions, the most recent in 1982. It is said that the 1982 eruption was spectacular and that fountains of lava spewed from vents in the caldera floor rising high above the rim. Scientific analysis proves that the newest lava flows are on the eastern and southern sides of the volcano and also within the caldera.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbVndp128sw/UFYqAPGDVPI/AAAAAAAACCg/pZqVaJo5cC8/s1600/Wolf+2+Acme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Volcan Wolf Isabela Island Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbVndp128sw/UFYqAPGDVPI/AAAAAAAACCg/pZqVaJo5cC8/s200/Wolf+2+Acme.jpg" title="Volcan Wolf Isabela Island Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Volcan Wolf<br />
photograph from Creative Commons by Acme</b></td></tr>
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One of the most thrilling features of Isabela is the different flora, fauna and terrain at each of the volcano sites. Each has developed its own ecosystem of plant and wild life. The differences arise from when the eruptions occurred, how far inland they are, the climate at the time as well as the ecological and environmental factors that contribute to diversity generally in the <st1:place w:st="on">Galapagos Islands</st1:place>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYLD0NE5FEE/UFYruSWOVwI/AAAAAAAACDQ/rFs0Hz2zs8w/s1600/Wolf+tortoise+Chelonoidis_nigra_becki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Galapagos Wolf Island tortoise Chelonoidis_nigra_becki" border="0" height="169" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYLD0NE5FEE/UFYruSWOVwI/AAAAAAAACDQ/rFs0Hz2zs8w/s200/Wolf+tortoise+Chelonoidis_nigra_becki.jpg" title="Galapagos Wolf Island tortoise Chelonoidis_nigra_becki" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Wolf tortoise Chelonoidis_nigra_becki<br />
Photo from Wikipedia</b></td></tr>
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For example, the Galapagos Tortoise subspecies at Wolf is seen no where else. Genochelone Nigra Becki has a saddleback shell and is found only in the oldest parts of the volcano – the parts that have the most ancient history of erupting where the vegetation has had an opportunity to regrow. So, you may see this unique subspecies only on the northern and western slopes. An interesting fact discovered by scientists studying Wolf Volcano is that the other Galapagos tortoise species that may be encountered around it are not endemic to Wolf, but rather interlopers from other <st1:place w:st="on">Galapagos Islands</st1:place>, most likely left here by ships over the years. It was reported in a 2008 survey that all of the non-extinct Galapagos tortoise species and subspecies continue to roam around Volcan Wolf.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tf-B5pK0NxE/UFYsmohIQrI/AAAAAAAACDY/bcYiCuhdMNU/s1600/wolf+pink-iguana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Volcan Wolf Pink Iguana on Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tf-B5pK0NxE/UFYsmohIQrI/AAAAAAAACDY/bcYiCuhdMNU/s200/wolf+pink-iguana.jpg" title="Volcan Wolf Pink Iguana on Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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Photography from conservationreport.com/tag/pink-iguana</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">In 2009, a remarkable announcement was made here. There is a new species of land iguana at Volcan Wolf. Although first discovered in 1986, the pink “Rosada” land iguana was officially recognized in 2009; its origin is uncertain, but it is seen nowhere else in the Galapagos or on earth. In fact, NASA scientists acknowledge the pink iguana as quite an anomaly. The research team describing the iguanas estimated their age at 5.7 million years, yet geologists estimate the age of Volcan Wolf at less than half a million years. According to <a href="http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=37003." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NASA</a>, a possible explanation for this discrepancy is that the iguanas evolved on an older volcano that eventually sank below the waves, and their descendants moved to new quarters. You also can read more about pink iquanas at <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/01/090105-pink-iguana-photo.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">National Geographic</a>. To learn about the many types of iguanas in the Galapagos - on the land and in the ocean, visit my post on <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/07/galapagos-marine-and-land-iguanas.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Iguanas</span></a>.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Volcan Ecuador</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bG_bAyVhBd0/UFaJ1lutnPI/AAAAAAAACEU/4fcQgAn9wiM/s1600/Ecuador+3+Photo+by+Patricio+Ramon,+2004+(Instituto+Geofisca,+Escuela+Politecnica+Nacional).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Volcan Ecuador and Volcan Wolf Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="145" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bG_bAyVhBd0/UFaJ1lutnPI/AAAAAAAACEU/4fcQgAn9wiM/s200/Ecuador+3+Photo+by+Patricio+Ramon,+2004+(Instituto+Geofisca,+Escuela+Politecnica+Nacional).jpg" title="Volcan Ecuador and Volcan Wolf Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Volcan Ecuador and Volcan Wolf<br />
Photograph by Patricio Ramon <br />
Instituto Geofisca, Escuela Politecnica Nacional</b></td></tr>
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The most northwestern volcano on Isabela is Volcan <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Ecuador</st1:country>. It is the smallest of Isabela’s volcanoes and the western side of its caldera now nearly reaches the ocean. This western edge is the “snout” of Isabela’s sea horse shape. On the eastern side, its vents connect to Volcan Wolf. Though there is no recorded eruption of Volcan <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Ecuador;</st1:country> because of its lava formations and dating, it is known to be relatively young. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hdl2QHP5B1E/UFaJ2ofnGmI/AAAAAAAACEs/d352_S4bOWM/s1600/Ecuador+from+volcano.si.edu+-+get+others+here+too.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Volcan Ecuador on Isabela Island in Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="210" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hdl2QHP5B1E/UFaJ2ofnGmI/AAAAAAAACEs/d352_S4bOWM/s320/Ecuador+from+volcano.si.edu+-+get+others+here+too.jpg" title="Volcan Ecuador on Isabela Island in Galapagos Islands" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Volcan Ecuador<br />
photograph from volcano.si.edu</b></td></tr>
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Volcan <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Ecuador</st1:country>, which actually straddles the Equator, has been referred to it as “one of the most geologically puzzling features in the Galapagos.” This extreme description comes from Volcan <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Ecuador</st1:country>’s asymmetry. Indeed, it looks from above to have a horseshoe shape. Unlike all the other Galapagos shield volcanoes with calderas, which are symmetrical, Volcan <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Ecuador</st1:country> is extremely steep on the north and south and has no western half at all. The steepness is attributed to erosion or fault lines, or a combination of these two factors. As for the western half: has it fallen back into the sea because of a fault or erosion or did it simply erupt this way to begin with? An underwater fault is the most widely accepted explanation.<br />
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The proposition that erosion caused this unusual formation may sound intriguing, but is in reality unlikely. There is very little wind, certainly not enough to account for erosion of any magnitude. Therefore, waves would have had to be the source of the erosion, but waves of the height and strength that would have been necessary to undermine the entire western caldera and to cause the steepness in the north are not seen in the Galapagos. However, there probably is enough of an ongoing current that some of the southern sheerness could be wave-related. Another reason that this is an unlikely conclusion is that Volcan Ecuador appears to continue to be active and relatively young.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tlWdr8ZisnA/UFaJ2dghcUI/AAAAAAAACEk/FGraInp-wrs/s1600/Ecuador+from+above+Photo+by+Patricio+Ramon%252C+2004+%2528Instituto+Geofisca%252C+Escuela+Politecnica+Nacional%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Volcan Ecuador on Isabela Island in Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="196" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tlWdr8ZisnA/UFaJ2dghcUI/AAAAAAAACEk/FGraInp-wrs/s200/Ecuador+from+above+Photo+by+Patricio+Ramon%252C+2004+%2528Instituto+Geofisca%252C+Escuela+Politecnica+Nacional%2529.jpg" title="Volcan Ecuador on Isabela Island in Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Volcan Ecuador</b><b> Photograph by Patricio Ramon<br />
Instituto Geofisca, Escuela Politecnica Nacional</b> </td></tr>
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As for the fault premise, perhaps there is a fault line underneath Volcan <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Ecuador</st1:country>. Though this has not been evidenced anywhere else in the Galapagos, it is a feature of some Hawaiian volcanoes where landslides due to internal faults have occurred. After considerable study of the volcano by <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Cornell</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place>, it was concluded that Volcan Ecuador “experienced at least one sector collapse event that removed its western half.” The compositions of lavas exposed in the old caldera wall and fault scarps dissecting the outer shield together with young post-collapse lavas provide insight into the history of this volcano. Specifically, the sector collapse happened less than 100,000 years ago. It is now believed that before the collapse, the volcano was, like the others, symmetrical, but somehow the underground “plumbing” allowed some magma to bypass the central magma chamber. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Volcan Ecuador<br />
Photograph by Ed Vincinza</b></td></tr>
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Volcan <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Ecuador</st1:country> could easily be mistaken for the remnant of an extinct volcano (and indeed was in some early geological studies). However, although there have been no reported historic eruptions, its central caldera and northern and eastern flanks are covered by many young lavas flows, some of which are probably not more than a few hundred years old. A fissure zone that runs east-northeast toward Volcan Wolf has been particularly active, and is constructing a ridge between the two volcanoes. It is possible that within the last 10,000 years or so, Volcan <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Ecuador</st1:country> was an island. Thus whatever its history, Volcan <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Ecuador</st1:country> is quite active, and is most likely still in a relatively youthful stage.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xiL50cPoX_c/UFaMRgxRu7I/AAAAAAAACFA/RK5Q_cXqX_E/s1600/Vicente+Roca+Point+Pablo+Castillo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Vicente Roca Point on Isabela Island in Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="106" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xiL50cPoX_c/UFaMRgxRu7I/AAAAAAAACFA/RK5Q_cXqX_E/s320/Vicente+Roca+Point+Pablo+Castillo.jpg" title="Vicente Roca Point on Isabela Island in Galapagos Islands" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Vicente Roca Point<br />
Photograph from Creative Commons by Pablo Castillo</b></td></tr>
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The landing site for Volcan <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Ecuador</st1:country> is Punta Vicente Roca, which is discussed in detail in my earlier post. Vicente Roca is actually the collapsed western floor of the volcano. The site has tuff cones and lava formations.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ieIowkltZg/UFaMVPMAkxI/AAAAAAAACF4/sm2VWig9V_4/s1600/Vincente+Roca+Point+Sunset+by+Roubicek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunset at Vicente Roca Point on Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ieIowkltZg/UFaMVPMAkxI/AAAAAAAACF4/sm2VWig9V_4/s200/Vincente+Roca+Point+Sunset+by+Roubicek.jpg" title="Sunset at Vicente Roca Point on Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sunset at Vicente Roca Point<br />
Photograph from Creative Commons by Roubicek</b></td></tr>
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So, before you embark on your Volcan Ecuador hike, be prepared for some of the most gorgeous and diverse marine life, great for photography and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I have seen dolphins, whales, sea lions, Tortugas and every kind of Galapagos birdlife you can imagine. The nutrient-rich Cromwell Current feeds the life here. Also present are brown pelicans, blue-footed boobies, brown noddies, terns, shearwaters, and Galapagos Penguins. Here, natural erosion and the collapsed cone of Ecuador Volcano have formed dramatically carved cliffs and a system of rookeries and canals that are a geological wonder. This area also promises the highest probability of seeing whales any time of the year. For more about how the Cromwell Current is responsible for so much of the diverse marine life throughout the archipelago, read my post about <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/09/galapagos-island-geography-and-geology_1590.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Ocean Currents</span></a>.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Volcan Darwin</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p5xG0FIuWOc/UFj9lcc5J9I/AAAAAAAACHM/otrswXypKOE/s1600/Darwin_Caldera_google+earth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Volcan Darwin, Isabela Island, Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="262" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p5xG0FIuWOc/UFj9lcc5J9I/AAAAAAAACHM/otrswXypKOE/s400/Darwin_Caldera_google+earth.jpg" title="Volcan Darwin, Isabela Island, Galapagos Islands" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Tagus Cove and Black Turtle Beach are two stunning visitor sites located to the west of Volcan Darwin near the Bolivar Channel that runs between Fernandina and Isabela Islands. You access the hike to Volcan Darwin from these points and proceed on a moderately long and difficult hike to Darwin Lake. The views on this hike are magnificent. The crater forms Darwin Lake, a highlight of the trip.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Darwin Lake Showing Lava Surface<br />
Photograph from National Oceanic and<br />
Atmospheric Association (NOAA)</b></td></tr>
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The hike is difficult, in part because of the significance and depth of the volcanic rock that has amassed at this location. I’ve heard the gravelly rocky strata here referred to as petrified rain. This occurred when the exploding volcanic ash and boiling lava contacted the water which, in turn, heated rapidly and evaporated or simply splashed high into the air. The ash that was falling but still in the air got wet, cooled quickly, and solidified in the air, coming down almost like balls of hail. It is also possible for such lava balls to form if it happens to rain when the ash is still in the air; again, the water rapidly cools the ash, which forms into a ball that lands on the surface.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DKrkHcBPQgw/UFj_U_1EfbI/AAAAAAAACHU/freNe3CT5AU/s1600/Tagus-Cove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tagus Cove at Darwin Volcano, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DKrkHcBPQgw/UFj_U_1EfbI/AAAAAAAACHU/freNe3CT5AU/s200/Tagus-Cove.jpg" title="Tagus Cove at Darwin Volcano, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tagus Cove<br />
Photograph from Charles Darwin Foundation</b></td></tr>
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The other significant geological formations that occurred when Darwin Volcano erupted are called pyroclastic cones – Tagus Cove and Beagle Cone. This were created when the basaltic magma erupted from the central vent and came in contact with the cool salt waters of the Pacific Ocean. The boiling hot lava caused the water to steam. The breaking and fragmented magma combined with the steam and volcanic gases to form material called palagonite. The palagonite, essentially light weight ash roughly the consistency of flour, was thrown back into the air, and ultimately settled into a cone shape around the vent. The result? Interesting geological formations leading us to Volcan Darwin. This might be a good time to review how the volcanoes occurred and different types of lava formations written about in my <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/09/galapagos-island-geography-and-geology_16.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">earlier post about volcanoes</span></a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iHCL7oD4b_U/UFkAG280eMI/AAAAAAAACHc/ukpYPwkMOVc/s1600/Tagus+and+Beagle+Cones+from+Volcano.si.edu+photo+by+US+Airforce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The tuff cones of Tagus (upper left) and Beagle on Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="343" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iHCL7oD4b_U/UFkAG280eMI/AAAAAAAACHc/ukpYPwkMOVc/s400/Tagus+and+Beagle+Cones+from+Volcano.si.edu+photo+by+US+Airforce.jpg" title="The tuff cones of Tagus (upper left) and Beagle on Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left; text-indent: 32px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>The tuff cones of Tagus (upper left) and Beagle (lower right) were formed by phreatomagmatic eruptions along the coast of Darwin volcano in the Galápagos Islands. The rim of Tagus is breached by Tagus Cove, a storied anchorage in the Galápagos archipelago visited by Darwin's vessel, the Beagle. Tagus tuff cone has at least four nested craters, the youngest of which contains a small salt lake. Fresh black lava flows from fissures of Darwin volcano largely surround the tuff cones.<br />
Photograph from www.volcano.si.edu taken by U.S. Airforce</b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wyRNCCsoC6I/UFj9kxUdjbI/AAAAAAAACHE/1t5iUQBrHAU/s1600/Darwin+from+volcano.si.edu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Darwin Volcano, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="135" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wyRNCCsoC6I/UFj9kxUdjbI/AAAAAAAACHE/1t5iUQBrHAU/s200/Darwin+from+volcano.si.edu.jpg" title="Darwin Volcano, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Volcan Darwin<br />
Photograph from Volcano.si.edu</b></td></tr>
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I'm intrigued by how little is actually known about the eruption history of Volcan Darwin, the second volcano south on Isabela and the fifth highest in the Galapagos system. The lack of information is due to the volcano's extreme remoteness. Volcan Darwin is situated between Volcans Wolf and Alcedo. This shield volcano is nearly perfectly symmetrical and rises to an elevation of 1325 meters (4350 feet). Like the other western volcanos, it has a large central caldera, nearly 5 kilometers (3 miles) in diameter and 200 m deep (700 feet). A number of young lava flows may be seen within the caldera, as well as on the flanks of the volcano. There are no confirmed historic eruptions of Volcan Darwin. We have learned that much of the the lava is no more than a few hundred years old, thus Volcan Darwin certainly remains an active volcano. This information was determined by a team of geologists from Cornell University in 1986.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSgDYKHOSAs/UFkBaRZi4fI/AAAAAAAACHk/7Uv91tOWbWk/s1600/aa+lava+creative+commons+hbarrison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="AA lava" border="0" height="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSgDYKHOSAs/UFkBaRZi4fI/AAAAAAAACHk/7Uv91tOWbWk/s200/aa+lava+creative+commons+hbarrison.jpg" title="AA lava" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Aa Lava Example<br />
Photograph from Creative Commons by HBarrison</b></td></tr>
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Like the other large western volcanos, much of the surface of Volcan Darwin is covered by Aa lavas, represented by its jagged and dangerous edges. Aa lava surfaces are extremely rough and much more difficult to walk on than the other type of lava surface, Pahoehoe.</div>
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If you read my posts about Tagus Cove and Black Turtle Beach, you will recall that the hike to Volcan Darwin will provide you with the opportunity to see abundant sea, marine and avian life. Be prepared for brown pelicans and blue footed boobies.</div>
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At the lower slopes of Volcan Darwin, you will see Palo Santo trees. These white-barked dwarf trees are leafless except for the wet season, but interesting at all times of year.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Volcan Alcedo</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_XJ5qIiLgRs/UFkCr_UIIdI/AAAAAAAACH0/cBZU-xb9o88/s1600/Alcedo+from+volcano.si.edu+Photo+by+Patricio+Ramon,+2005+(Instituto+Geofisca,+Escuela+Politecnica+Nacional).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Volcan Alcedo on Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="181" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_XJ5qIiLgRs/UFkCr_UIIdI/AAAAAAAACH0/cBZU-xb9o88/s320/Alcedo+from+volcano.si.edu+Photo+by+Patricio+Ramon,+2005+(Instituto+Geofisca,+Escuela+Politecnica+Nacional).jpg" title="Volcan Alcedo on Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Volcan Alcedo from Volcano.si.edu<br />
Photograph by Patricio Ramon, 2005 <br />
(Instituto Geofisca, Escuela Politecnica Nacional)</b></td></tr>
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Volcan Alcedo is a highly restricted site and accessible only by special permission from the National Park Service. Preservation of the wildlife around Volcan Alcedo is a huge priority. Alcedo is also a very different site than it was only a decade ago. Then, and in the years preceding, it was the locus of a huge and vigorous population of Galapagos Tortoise. Now, most sadly, they are nearly extinct. I wish I had seen Alcedo in the 1980's. Here's why:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_-vovDEZQJk/UFkDLLgoF0I/AAAAAAAACH8/E0i5Kclac30/s1600/Alcedo+tortoises+by+acksmom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tortoises at Dawn, Galapagos Islands, 1984 Volcan Alcedo, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="307" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_-vovDEZQJk/UFkDLLgoF0I/AAAAAAAACH8/E0i5Kclac30/s400/Alcedo+tortoises+by+acksmom.jpg" title="Tortoises at Dawn, Galapagos Islands, 1984 Volcan Alcedo, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="text-align: start;">Tortoises at Dawn, Galapagos Islands, 1984. Giant tortoises in pond, <br />
Geochelone elephantopus, Alcedo Volcano, </span><st1:place style="text-align: start;" w:st="on">Galapagos Islands</st1:place><span style="text-align: start;">. Frans Lanting<br />
Photograph from www.flickr.com/photos/acksmom/5636201445/</span></span></b></td></tr>
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This haunting photograph was taken in 1984. The experience was described then by photographer Frans Lanting:</div>
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<i>The <st1:place w:st="on">Galápagos Islands</st1:place> provide a window on time. In a geologic sense, the islands are young, yet they appear ancient. The largest animals native to this archipelago are giant tortoises, which can live for more than a century. These are the creatures that provided <st1:city w:st="on">Darwin</st1:city> with the flash of imagination that led to his theory of evolution. ..Immutable as the tortoises seem, they were utterly vulnerable to the buccaneers and whalers who took them by the thousands in the last two centuries. But one population eluded them. Inside the Alcedo volcano on <st1:place w:st="on">Isabela Island</st1:place>, an earlier era lingers. This caldera is sealed off from the outside world by steep lava slopes that rise to 3,860 feet on the equator. It was not until 1965 that an Ecuadorian biologist found a way down inside and discovered a world where giant tortoises roamed in primordial abundance. This group had presumably never seen humans.</i></blockquote>
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<i>They hadn't seen many more when I entered the time capsule of the caldera. For one memorable week, I lived among the tortoises of Alcedo. Photography one morning was one of those precious experiences where I could be part of a scene rather than a distant observer. The tortoises were resting in a pond as soft mist mingled with sulfur steam from nearby fumaroles and dust from an erupting volcano to the west, and I was able to create an image that evokes the era when reptiles dominated life on land.</i><i><b> </b></i><i>Now, the view of Alcedo is different. There are no tortoises to greet and awe you - only the beautiful desolation that comes with the heat and aftermath of volcanic eruption. It’s still stirring and awe-inspiring, though we do mourn for the way in which the creatures that first occupied this rugged terrain have been ousted by invaders such as wild goats and people. </i></blockquote>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Volcan Alcedo<br />
Photograph from NASA Science Photo Library</b></td></tr>
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At an elevation of 3,707 feet and with a mid-sized caldera of 6.1 x 7.4 kilometers, Alcedo is believed to have emerged from the sea bed about 313,000 years ago. Like Darwin and Sierra Negra Volcanoes it has primarily shallow slopes and the caldera is just 25% of the height of the volcano. You can contrast this to the height of the calderas at Cerro Azul and Wolf which are about 40-60% of the height of the volcanoes themselves.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Alcedo Caldera<br />
Photograph from Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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Alcedo is very remote and extremely difficult to access. Its seclusion and inaccessibility meant that even the most recent eruption in 1993 was not recorded at that time and there are no videos or photographic record available. The first geological studies of the 1993 eruption were not done until 1995, when new topology was discovered by hikers. Scientific data and photographic records provide ample evidence that an earlier eruption took place between 1946 and 1960.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Alcedo Fumarole<br />
Photograph from Animals and Earth</b></td></tr>
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Alcedo is the only Galapagos volcano with both rhyolite and basaltic lava. As I explained in my <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/09/galapagos-island-geography-and-geology_1590.html" target="_blank"><b>Volcano Post</b></a>, basaltic lava forms both Aa and pahohoe formations. Rhyolite, in contrast, is lighter and looks more like quartz and rocks. Rhyolite is rare, though not unheard of, in an oceanic environment like the Galapagos. Though only about 1 kilometer of rhyolite erupted at Alcedo, it is an interesting and unique feature. The most likely reason for this distinction is that Alcedo is nearly extinct, has moved away from the hot spot, and, therefore, the chemical makeup of the magma changed before the final eruption.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Volcan Alcedo Hike Route<br />
Photograph from Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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As stated above the National Park Service strictly limits visits to Alcedo. It does, however, provide detailed visitor information on its website.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><o:p>Volcan Sierra Negra (Black Mountain) and Volcan Chico</o:p></span></h3>
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Volcan Sierra Negra erupted for nine days in 2005. I saw this eruption first hand and must share that this was a once-in-a-lifetime awesome experience. There is stunning footage available of this dramatic natural phenomenon. Here is a video from the Hotel San Vicente available on Youtube. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Volcan Sierra Negra<br />
Photograph from Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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Like the others on Isabela, Volcan Sierra Negra is a large shield volcano. It is believed to be about 535,000 years old, and probably the oldest of Isabela’s volcanoes. According to some geologists, the wider and shallower a caldera, the more ancient. This conclusion is reached by theory and observations which indicate that volcanic processes in calderas tend to break down its edge, then the material from the edge fills the caldera. This theory definitely is consistent with the topography of Sierra Negra as its caldera is the largest of all in the Galapagos and the second largest in the world; it has a long southwest/northwest axis of 7.2 x 9.3 kilometers.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eUuv0WZ833Y/UFmyj8gkl_I/AAAAAAAACK0/JwZqMnZPW1M/s1600/Sierra+Negra+by+Michael+R+Perry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Volcan Sierra Negra and Chico, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eUuv0WZ833Y/UFmyj8gkl_I/AAAAAAAACK0/JwZqMnZPW1M/s200/Sierra+Negra+by+Michael+R+Perry.jpg" title="Volcan Sierra Negra and Chico, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Photograph from Creative Commons by<br />
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Sierra Negra, which appears like a typical shield volcano's upturned soup bowl, has an altitude of only 3688 feet (compare this to Wolf for example at 5600 feet). It is located east of Cerro Azul and south of Alcedo. Unlike Volcan Wolf, with a grade up its steep sides of up to 35 degrees, Sierra Negra’s slopes vacillate between only 2 and 5 degrees, making it a much easier and more accessible hike. From Sierra Negra the views are impressive; photographers will be thrilled.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_yna_O412YE/UFmyoJgBcDI/AAAAAAAACME/97ickyJDriI/s1600/sierra_negra_erupting+2005_october_22+from+wikicommons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Volcan Sierra Negra eruption in 2005, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_yna_O412YE/UFmyoJgBcDI/AAAAAAAACME/97ickyJDriI/s200/sierra_negra_erupting+2005_october_22+from+wikicommons.jpg" title="Volcan Sierra Negra eruption in 2005, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sierra Negra 2005 Eruption<br />
Photograph from Wikipedia</b></td></tr>
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This is an active volcano. Interestingly, although there is regular GPS monitoring of all the Galapagos volcanoes, there was no advance warning of the eruption in 2005. According to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">United</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place>’s Geological Services, there had been an ongoing expansion of Sierra Negra’s caldera floor that had been monitored since 1992 but no short term signal gave advance notice of the eruption. For more information about the monitoring, see, <i>A volcano bursting at the seams: Inflation, Faulting, and Eruption at <a href="http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/activity/methods/insar/public_files/Poland_7.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sierra Negra Volcano</a>, Galapagos. </i>The lava flow in 2005 covered much of the interior of the caldera and in some places rose more than two meters.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>2005 Eruption<br />
Photograph from volcano.si.edu</b> </td></tr>
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Other eruptions in the historical record are 1911, 1948, 1953, 1954, 1957, 1963, and 1979. Eruptions in earlier years are recorded by dating lava flows but their location on the volcano and the dates of the eruption are not known precisely. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oS4HvnxZVPc/UECXMnETuBI/AAAAAAAABoY/DMQO7rvkZmc/s1600/Sulfer+mines+NLP+_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sulfur deposits resulting from Volcan Sierra Negra eruption in 2005, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oS4HvnxZVPc/UECXMnETuBI/AAAAAAAABoY/DMQO7rvkZmc/s200/Sulfer+mines+NLP+_06.jpg" title="Sulfur deposits resulting from Volcan Sierra Negra eruption in 2005, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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Photograph from Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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Unique to Sierra Negra are the fumaroles off its western caldera. A fumarole is a smoky and steamy opening that emits gases. Here, you will see terrestrial sulfur flows; these are associated with the melting of sulfur deposits. See the Sulfer Mine discussion in my blog post about <st1:place w:st="on">Isabela Island</st1:place> visitor sites. Click <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fumarole" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, for more information about fumaroles generally. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDwyDT0etvU/UFmynkQcSbI/AAAAAAAACL8/PAAT9Zg-oQE/s1600/sierra_negra_chico_foto_06NPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bird Life on Sierra Negra and Volcan Chico, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="109" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDwyDT0etvU/UFmynkQcSbI/AAAAAAAACL8/PAAT9Zg-oQE/s200/sierra_negra_chico_foto_06NPS.jpg" title="Bird Life on Sierra Negra and Volcan Chico, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Bird Life on Sierra Negra and Volcan Chico<br />
Photograph from Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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The wildlife, birdlife, flora and fauna at Sierra Negra are impressive as well. Seven species of finches have been identified here. The vegetation is variable and rich. The southern and southeastern slopes are the habitat for the Sierra Negra saddleback tortoise, Geochelone Nigra Gunther. This species is under threat from illegal hunting and as a result is part of the National Park Service’s captive breeding program.</div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_Negra_(Gal%C3%A1pagos)#mw-head"></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_Negra_(Gal%C3%A1pagos)#p-search"></a></div>
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Photograph from Galapagos National Park Service</b></td></tr>
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Accessible from Sierra Negra by footpath and horsetrail is Volcán Chico, just northeast of Sierra Negra volcano at an altitude of approximately 860 meters. Volcan Chico is a fissure of some parasitic cones, composed of slag and lava. It last erupted for two weeks in November 1979 and before that on April 13, 1963. The 1963 eruption, stronger and lasting for one month, dramatically impacted Volcan Sierra Negra.The lava flows fell to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Elizabeth</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Bay</st1:placename></st1:place> and covered a large sector east of the Sierra Negra volcano, consuming large sections of vegetation. There can be a substantial difference in the weather at Sierra Negra and Volcan Chico as <st1:city w:st="on">Chico</st1:city> is usually clear while Sierra Negra is often overcast.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1MW98on3xI/UFmyMhytkXI/AAAAAAAACJk/WGBAedWOBx8/s1600/chico+lava+flows+by+arkintina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lava Flows at Volcan Chico, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1MW98on3xI/UFmyMhytkXI/AAAAAAAACJk/WGBAedWOBx8/s200/chico+lava+flows+by+arkintina.jpg" title="Lava Flows at Volcan Chico, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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Photograph from Creative Commons by Arkintina</b></td></tr>
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Both Volcan Sierra Negra and Volcan Chico are accessible from the town of <st1:city w:st="on">Puerto Villamil</st1:city>. From town you can rent a vehicle and drive about 45 minutes to the site "El Cura" to rent horses. The horses will take you up the eastern side of the caldera of Sierra Negra to the site named "Los Jaboncillos" a place where horses are tied to continuing the journey on foot to Volcán Chico. The trek is about 10 miles and not for the faint hearted. But, most who attempt the challenge are greatly rewarded for their effort. One reason this is not an easy trek is that the weather can be unforgiving; rain and drizzle are likely; it’s easy to get lost in the fog. The <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Galapagos</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">National Park Service</st1:placetype></st1:place> warns that your group must remain together at all times and able to recognize certain outstanding features of the land so as to permit the return by the same route in the mist if necessary. Still, for those seeking adventure, experience and emersion into the Galapagos Islands’ environment, a trip to Volcans Sierra Negra and <st1:city w:st="on">Chico</st1:city> will provide it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0_cky0nUbtY/UFnl3ziqUzI/AAAAAAAACNM/oRRfDFRbA1U/s1600/Sierra+Negra+Caldera+from+Cindy+Procter+King.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Volcan Sierra Negra with Steam Rising, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0_cky0nUbtY/UFnl3ziqUzI/AAAAAAAACNM/oRRfDFRbA1U/s200/Sierra+Negra+Caldera+from+Cindy+Procter+King.jpg" title="Volcan Sierra Negra with Steam Rising, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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Photograph by Cindy Procter-King</b></td></tr>
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For a beautiful description that will make you feel that you are actually experiencing the trek to the two volcanoes go to an article written by <a href="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/7b1be706-020d-11de-8199-000077b07658.html#axzz25QTAGuII" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rebecca Newman for the Financial Times of London</a>. She will take you there. Or, for a totally different viewpoint, read this description by romance author and humor writer <a href="http://cindyprocter-king.com/blog/galapagos-day-7-a-volcano-tries-to-kill-me/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cindy Procter-King</a>. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wTbovY9wORc/UFmyNg0dZOI/AAAAAAAACJ8/yHUm-t4V6Dg/s1600/chico+view+photo+by+acme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Vista from Volcan Chico, Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wTbovY9wORc/UFmyNg0dZOI/AAAAAAAACJ8/yHUm-t4V6Dg/s200/chico+view+photo+by+acme.jpg" title="Vista from Volcan Chico, Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Gorgeous Vista from Volcan Chico<br />
Photograph from Creative Commons by Acme</b></td></tr>
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I've said before that I take great interest in how different guests can have such different, yet equally valid, impressions of the same places, how the impact of nature changes for each person. Reading these two articles, you actually get the wonder and beauty of the volcano's impact from two distinct perspectives. I wonder how you will feel when you visit. Speaking for myself, the beauty touches my heart every visit I make. <br />
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For more footage of the actual 2005 eruption of Volcan Sierra Negra, go to <a href="http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/places/countries-places/ecuador/sierra-negra-volcano-lex/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">National Geographic</a><i><b>.</b></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Volcan Cerro Azul (Blue Hill)</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6HbU4Tv57N0/UFnnEn-tsZI/AAAAAAAACNc/Gia5t_dXwHU/s1600/Cerro+Azul+Sierra+Negra+from+earthobservatory.nasa.gov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Satellite View of Cerro Azul and Sierra Negra" border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6HbU4Tv57N0/UFnnEn-tsZI/AAAAAAAACNc/Gia5t_dXwHU/s200/Cerro+Azul+Sierra+Negra+from+earthobservatory.nasa.gov.jpg" title="Satellite View of Cerro Azul and Sierra Negra" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Satellite View of Cerro Azul and Sierra Negra<br />
Photograph from NASA Earth Observatory</b></td></tr>
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Cerro Azul "blue hill" is the second highest peak in the Galapagos at 5541 feet (only Volcan Wolf is higher). It is characterized, therefore, as an ultra volcano (a volcano of at least 4921 feet - 1500 meters). With only 1515 such peaks in the entire world, it is significant that Isla Isabela, in its small area, contains two. Think of it this way: even mountains such as the <st1:place w:st="on">Matterhorn</st1:place> do not achieve ultra status because they are not free-standing mountains, but rather connect to higher mountains by passes without substantial individual prominence. A visit to Cerro Azul is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4g33pGuzdV0/UFnnFGyCpvI/AAAAAAAACNk/Ru5lm2DmD9g/s1600/Cerro+Azul+by+Michael+Lang+of+the+Smithsonian+Institution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cerro Azul's Steep Slopes and Caldera" border="0" height="113" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4g33pGuzdV0/UFnnFGyCpvI/AAAAAAAACNk/Ru5lm2DmD9g/s200/Cerro+Azul+by+Michael+Lang+of+the+Smithsonian+Institution.jpg" title="Cerro Azul's Steep Slopes and Caldera" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Cerro Azul's Steep Slopes and Caldera<br />
Photograph by Michael Lang of the Smithsonian Institution</b></td></tr>
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Cerro Azul is a standard shield volcano characterized by its inverted soup bowl appearance and the size of its caldera. Though not as wide as some (this caldera is just 5x5 kilometers across), it is the deepest, at some points 650 meters below the caldera rim. Cerro Azul is located on the southern western tip of Isabela and differentiates itself on its western slope where it drops directly into the ocean. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MKpyLUxcGZ4/UFnnGgEPfsI/AAAAAAAACOE/WZwBr0hH5u4/s1600/cerro+azul+eruption+from+earth-of-fire.over-blog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Eruption in 2008 of Cerro Azul" border="0" height="131" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MKpyLUxcGZ4/UFnnGgEPfsI/AAAAAAAACOE/WZwBr0hH5u4/s200/cerro+azul+eruption+from+earth-of-fire.over-blog.com.jpg" title="Eruption in 2008 of Cerro Azul" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Eruption in 2008 of Cerro Azul<br />
Photograph from earth-of-fire.over-blog.com</b></td></tr>
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This is an extremely active volcano and must recently erupted in 2008. However, historic records dating back to 1932 document volcanic activity also in 1940, 1943, 1949, 1951, 1959, 1968, 1979 and 1998. Geographical surveys show that though the surface of the volcano is young, less than 5000 years old, the volcano itself is about 350,000 years old, about the same as Sierra Negra and Alcedo.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vddqCWe9Z3k/UFnnHLMr_7I/AAAAAAAACOM/rMQxQ_bpxlE/s1600/cerro+azul+eruption+from+terra.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Eruption in 2008 of Cerro Azul" border="0" height="105" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vddqCWe9Z3k/UFnnHLMr_7I/AAAAAAAACOM/rMQxQ_bpxlE/s200/cerro+azul+eruption+from+terra.com.jpg" title="Eruption in 2008 of Cerro Azul" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>2008 Eruption<br />
Photograph from Terra.com</b></td></tr>
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The 2008 eruption began in May and continued into June and included a fissure eruption on the south east flank of the volcano; the eruption in 1998 had also included fissure eruptions on this part of the volcano. The fissure eruptions resulted in lava flowing 10 km (6 mi) from the fissure. There was also an eruption within the caldera. The dual activity is somewhat unusual. Also notable is that because of Cerro Azul’s remoteness, it is likely that many eruptions over the last several hundred years have gone unnoticed. </div>
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Read this <a href="http://volcanism.wordpress.com/category/volcanoes/cerro-azul/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">interesting insight and description written in 2008</a><a href="http://volcanism.wordpress.com/category/volcanoes/cerro-azul/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a>at the time of the actual eruption telling about what was happening at the time and the quandary that the scientific community found itself in: should they or should they not interfere with the wildlife at the scene? It’s so fascinating to get this very unique insight into the thoughts of those experiencing the dramatic changes in the Galapagos environment. For a video of the activity at the time go to this video from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JqoC9_8YYg&feature=player_embedded" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">National Geographic</a>.</div>
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A subspecies of Galapagos Tortoise known as Geochelone Nigra Vicina lives at Serra Azul. It is characterized by its domed shell and has an overlapping range with the subspecies on the neighboring Sierra Negra Volcano, Geochelone nigra guntheri, which is a saddleback tortoise. The Cerro Azul tortoises were not affected by the 2008 eruption although the 1998 eruption did force the National Park authorities to move tortoises by land and helicopter. Other tortoises were killed in that eruption, either from lava or associated fires.<br />
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Though many visitors won't get to Cerro Azul itself, those that do visit Isabela by boat will have the chance to cruise around it on their way back to to the eastern islands. Seeing it from the boat is a beautiful site as the distance provides a unique perspective and opportunity to see some younger and fully defined tuff cones as well as lava flows.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Final Words About Isabela's Volcanoes</span></h3>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qAnuQPmzX8c/UFnnFV1XTLI/AAAAAAAACNs/tDRET2L4bLY/s1600/Cerro+Azul+lava+flows+in+2008+from+AFP.google.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Volcanic Lava Flows on Isabela Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qAnuQPmzX8c/UFnnFV1XTLI/AAAAAAAACNs/tDRET2L4bLY/s200/Cerro+Azul+lava+flows+in+2008+from+AFP.google.com.jpg" title="Volcanic Lava Flows on Isabela Island, Galapagos" width="132" /></a></div>
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Words cannot really do justice to the magnificence and awe of Isabela Island's majestic volcanoes. If you have the opportunity to hike the steeps slopes to just one, take full advantage. Better yet, see as many as you can because the stories of past, present and future of the Galapagos Islands are embedded in the rock, the lava, the plants, and the animals that you will see.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-72292765939118854232016-02-28T09:44:00.001-06:002016-02-28T09:44:14.960-06:00Another Reason to Come to Galapagos - Our Marvelous Coffee and Plantations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URjVItF6pj4/UHhL_thiepI/AAAAAAAACfk/-J6pjyIYYDI/s1600/Galapagoscoffee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Coffee Grows on San Cristobal Islands Coffee Plantation in the Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="309" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URjVItF6pj4/UHhL_thiepI/AAAAAAAACfk/-J6pjyIYYDI/s320/Galapagoscoffee.JPG" title="Coffee Grows on San Cristobal Islands Coffee Plantation in the Galapagos Islands" width="320" /></a></div>
Until now, it’s been at closely kept secret – or, at least I
thought it was a secret. San
Cristobal Island
grows some of the best coffee beans anywhere in the world. Whether you’re
waking up and ready for that first burst of flavor for the day or you’ve had a
satisfying meal and want something special with your dessert, our coffee is the
answer.<br />
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And you can visit San Cristobal's historic coffee plantation to see the old growth trees and taste the coffee yourself. This is a very special adventure and shows the diversity of the Galapagos Islands.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eGh0f_jeozw/UHhUfsRvR3I/AAAAAAAACh8/0MBm5-0ejDU/s1600/starbucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Special coffee from San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands Sold at Starbucks" border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eGh0f_jeozw/UHhUfsRvR3I/AAAAAAAACh8/0MBm5-0ejDU/s200/starbucks.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a>As I said, I thought it was a secret. Now, I have discovered
that Starbucks – the ubiquitous world wide coffee shop – has discovered this
treasure too. In 2010 and again in 2012, it offered San Cristobal special blend coffee beans in
limited qualities – all of which are gone now. </div>
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Here’s what Starbucks has to say about this marvelous coffee
bean:</div>
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<i>"On the island
of San Cristóbal, a
peculiar combination of climate and geology has produced an ideal environment
for this coffee.<br />
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Twice a year, the Humboldt Current passes through, carrying cold winds and rich
nutrients that mingle with the island’s fertile volcanic soil and intense
equatorial sun for an unexpectedly subtropical climate. The result:
130-year-old Bourbon coffee plants that would normally grow at elevations of
3,000 feet are able to flourish at an altitude one-third of that.<br />
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It’s from this unique place that we discovered the beans that would become our
first ever Starbucks Reserve® coffee in 2010 – an incomparable brew that we’ve
longed for ever since. [In 2012] we’re lucky enough to offer an extremely small
production of this organic coffee graced with a soft, chocolaty mouthfeel,
juicy acidity and herbal and cola notes – flavors that meld into a cup no less
extraordinary than the region’s exceptional climate."</i></blockquote>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_AVlZIgWYs/UHhMDp5zG2I/AAAAAAAACgc/jsYEt9mj9es/s1600/coffee+plantation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="green shade trees provide cover for vintage growth at Hacienda El Cafetal on San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos Islands." border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_AVlZIgWYs/UHhMDp5zG2I/AAAAAAAACgc/jsYEt9mj9es/s200/coffee+plantation.jpg" title="Coffee Plantation - Hacienda El Cafetal" width="123" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Coffee Plantation - Hacienda El Cafetal</b></td></tr>
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There’s a fascinating history dating back to 1832 that goes along with this
delicious San Cristobal
coffee. It was in 1832 that the Ecuadorean Government seized control of the
Galapagos Islands, including San
Cristobal. As initiatives were undertaken to bring
commerce to the Islands, San Cristobal
became a likely population center because though surrounded with sea water, it
also has an abundance of fresh spring water at El Junco, a volcanic crater
lake. This mineral rich spring water keeps the rich volcanic soil moist and
fertile, bringing life to the island. <br />
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Ultimately, land owner don Manuel J. Cobos established the very first coffee
plantation in 1975, taking advantage of the altitude, subtropical weather
(because of the cold Humboldt Current), fertile soil and fresh water from El
Junco. He imported high-quality Arabica Bourbon beans from the French Caribbean
Panamá. The original plantation was just 250 acres at an altitude of just 450
-1200 feet above sea level, an elevation in this particular climate that is
well-suited to <span class="textonegro1">good acidity coffee. </span>Unfortunately,
in 1915, this small, quality conscious coffee plantation fell on hard times and
was abandoned as unprofitable. It lay fallow for many years.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ADT6E11iXIE/UHhMEJOoI-I/AAAAAAAACgk/D0cZFS-xFjc/s1600/galcoffeenest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Close up of coffee beans at the coffee plantation on San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ADT6E11iXIE/UHhMEJOoI-I/AAAAAAAACgk/D0cZFS-xFjc/s200/galcoffeenest.JPG" title="Coffee Beans on San Cristobal" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Coffee Beans on San Cristobal</b></td></tr>
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Then, in 1990 the Gonzalez-Duche family purchased Hacienda “El Cafetal” and
with renewed vigor and interest started a regrowth of the delicious San Cristobal coffee bean,
using the original heirloom plants from 1875. The environmental conditions were
so perfect that the plants had grown unattended for decades.<br />
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Now, the 1000 acre coffee plantation is a stop on San Cristobal for many tourists. The
plantation is ecologically sustainable and has been recognized as bird friendly
by the Smithsonian Institution. It is certified by UNESCO as a “Patrimony of
Humanity” site, meaning it is a sustainable resource for San Cristobal
Islanders. The coffee beans ripen under the shade of other trees, such as
avocados, guavas, oranges and towering cedars. Under our strict regulations,
there are only 5000 bags allowed for worldwide exportation annually from this
plantation.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UrJ1n3nERAA/UHhME9yQF-I/AAAAAAAACgs/7pskdKFmNtM/s1600/horizgalcoffee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Close up of coffee beans at the coffee plantation on San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UrJ1n3nERAA/UHhME9yQF-I/AAAAAAAACgs/7pskdKFmNtM/s200/horizgalcoffee.JPG" title="Coffee Beans growing near Galapagos Eco Lodge on San Cristobal Island Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a></div>
Not only that – and perhaps most important - the shade-grown coffee is
totally organic and delicious.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8lnacRUA2OY/TToFSG68JAI/AAAAAAAAACI/AGo9eJNJ1do/s1600/Entrada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Night time view of the flora and scenery of the Galapagos Eco Lodge in San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8lnacRUA2OY/TToFSG68JAI/AAAAAAAAACI/AGo9eJNJ1do/s200/Entrada.JPG" title="Night time view of the flora and scenery of the Galapagos Eco Lodge in San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a></div>
The Starbuck's stash is sold out, leaving you with but one alternative – you must come to
San Cristobal Island in person and order a cup of
coffee for yourself! Best of all, come to the Galapagos Eco-Lodge and ask for our
special blend. Assuming that Starbucks has left any beans on San Cristobal, we’ll do our best to
accommodate you!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-60544200420865884662016-02-28T09:42:00.003-06:002016-03-05T05:31:04.864-06:00Swimming with Sea Lions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M3WHk7jr2vs/T-yyap61hhI/AAAAAAAAALo/Yrypq9msZ1Q/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Sea Lion Rests Peacefully in the Galapagos Island sunshine" border="0" height="211" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M3WHk7jr2vs/T-yyap61hhI/AAAAAAAAALo/Yrypq9msZ1Q/s320/DSC_0047.JPG" title="Sleeping Sea Lion In Galapagos Islands" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">As a guide and naturalist certified by the Galapagos National Park Service and the owner of the Galapagos Eco Lodge on San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos Islands, one of my great pleasures is taking my hotel guests, cruise ship passengers, tourists and visitors snorkeling with the sea lions. The pleasure I get each time I do this is immeasurable to me and I am sure to my guests as well. As a ubiquitous and playful creature of the Galapagos Islands, the sea lions are sure to bring a smile and joy to everyone who encounters them and has the once-in-a lifetime opportunity to frolic in their natural habitat, the luxurious and pristine Pacific Ocean in which the Galapagos Islands are situated. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">While every chance to swim with sea lions makes my heart feel good, there is one day I remember particularly well and with great fondness. And that is the day I share with you in this post. Before I do though, take a look at this glorious video taken that day by AquaSurround:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Though every day in the Galapagos Islands is very special, this was a day I was really looking forward to as I was taking my group to swim with the sea lions near Bartolome Island.</span> <br />
<a name='more'></a>It was Thursday, so by now I knew my group well. The group’s snorkeling ability couldn’t be more diverse. Some are experienced and competent in the water. One, fearless and funny, who started with no snorkeling experience, during her second week yells out “Tortuga, Tortuga” on our dives as she searches through the waters looking for the biggest tortoises swimming by. My group inevitably rushes to her side. <span style="background-color: white;">There’s the one with her own wet suit, not the one borrowed from the boat, which made me believe she was an accomplished snorkeler until, as we left the boat for our first snorkeling adventure, she asked, “What if you’ve never done this before?” It seems she borrowed her sister’s wetsuit, and was more than a little afraid of the water. My answer, "Then, it will be your first time" didn't seem to phase her. Indeed, by Thursday, that was behind her; adventure was her only objective.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z0TN1U6oFQg/T-yyX0bAvaI/AAAAAAAAALQ/3OuyZiGoaQY/s1600/Copy+of+Gala_12+%2528232%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Underwater Image of Playful Sea Lion in Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z0TN1U6oFQg/T-yyX0bAvaI/AAAAAAAAALQ/3OuyZiGoaQY/s200/Copy+of+Gala_12+%2528232%2529.jpg" title="Underwater Image of Playful Sea Lion" width="200" /></a>Another, also on his second week, is an all around athlete; he herds cattle, flies planes and was a natural underwater, especially when it came to taking outstanding photos of the marine life and sea lions around us. I thank him for the still underwater photos attached with this post. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4VxvnuNhTBQ/T-yyVuLIW7I/AAAAAAAAAK4/BJnXVTaMlzc/s1600/April+30+Sante+Fe+Island_1158+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sea Lion in the Galapagos Islands on the Volcanic Rocks" border="0" height="187" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4VxvnuNhTBQ/T-yyVuLIW7I/AAAAAAAAAK4/BJnXVTaMlzc/s200/April+30+Sante+Fe+Island_1158+%25283%2529.jpg" title="Happy Smiling Sea Lion" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">One couple has traveled the world snorkeling everywhere they go. He has the most sophisticated underwater camera equipment I’ve ever seen and videos and films for his company in Germany. His camera sits in a self-contained floatation device that keeps it upright and he can direct it or let it sit under the water, taking pictures and videos on its own. His videos are included in this post, but you can see even more footage underwater as well as remarkable video of our week together in the Galapagos Islands by searching Aqua Surround on You Tube.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> The videos are beautiful and really tell the story of what you can hope for when you </span>come to this special Paradise.<br />
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As I said, I was leading a very diverse group indeed! <br />
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Yet I knew that despite this variance in skill, I had it in my power to make this one of the most memorable <span style="background-color: white;">and joyous occasions of everyone’s trip to the Galapagos Islands. If you’ve read my earlier posts, you know that I grew up on the Galapagos Islands, have been diving since age 11 and am a certified Dive Master with more than 6000 Scuba dives of my own. How many times I have myself snorkeled in these waters I can’t imagine. As a naturalist and representative of our National Parks my responsibility is to the Islands’ conservation, but as the leader of my group, my responsibility is to them and my desire is to bring unforgettable moments.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4fSjSgvN0kI/T-yyXFe5vOI/AAAAAAAAALI/f5WquoNOnsU/s1600/Contact+Us+Brian%2527s+Sea+Lions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Hundreds of Sea Lions Basking in Sun on Gardner Bay Beach Galapagos" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4fSjSgvN0kI/T-yyXFe5vOI/AAAAAAAAALI/f5WquoNOnsU/s200/Contact+Us+Brian%2527s+Sea+Lions.jpg" title="Hundreds of Sea Lions Basking in Sun on Gardner Bay Beach, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></div>
My plan was first to visit the beautiful pristine shores of the beach at Gardner Bay (for more about Gardner Bay, <a href="http://galapagosecolodgevisitorsites.blogspot.com/2012/07/espanola-island-gardner-bay.html" style="color: magenta;" target="_blank">follow this link to my blog post about this gorgeous beach</a>), then to snorkel in three different locations nearby, knowing that each has its own hidden treasures, though I saved the best for last. <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">The beach did not disappoint. Literally hundreds of sea lions lounged on the beach. We saw them up close and personal. We watched baby pups cavorting, moms feeding their babies, and large males strutting. We heard the commotion they make even as they laze in the sunshine. Sea lions are gentle and unafraid. The babies come right up to us and beg for a little rub, but we can’t oblige them because our scent on a pup will cause a mom to reject him. Along the shoreline, they swim and romp in the shallow waves and roll around soaking up the sand and sun. My group does the same, except for rolling around in the sand! We had marvelous photo and video opportunities before we set off for our adventure in the water. <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqg97lhIrIs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Go here</a></span> to see actual video from that morning.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9fxfjqkfc_o/T-y1gI2hlBI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/YQrfMUeUHLk/s1600/Gala_12+%252860%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: left; display: inline ! important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Underwater Ray in the Pacific Ocean of the Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9fxfjqkfc_o/T-y1gI2hlBI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/YQrfMUeUHLk/s200/Gala_12+%252860%2529.jpg" title="Underwater Ray in the Pacific Ocean of the Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white;">Once we started snorkeling, we saw rays and sharks, schools of bright blue fish, king fish, yellow-tailed sturgeon fish, and angel fish. But the fun had just begun. And, before we knew it, we were in a cave swimming with the sea lions, each and every one of us having the time of our lives.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">At first, I kept my group close. As I spotted the first sea lions, I yelled out, “Sea Lion! Sea Lion!” Everyone hurried over for the best view. Here we were – in a cave in the pristine Pacific Ocean, on a perfect morning swimming with the sea lions. </span><br />
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Who could ask for anything more? <b>I could</b> and I took the experience to a whole new level for my group.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8rQpOgITcI/T-yyZVUQY_I/AAAAAAAAALg/Nn9tyzyX8h8/s1600/Copy+of+Gala_12+%2528234-A%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Sea Lions Swimming and Playing in the Galapagos Islands tropical waters" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8rQpOgITcI/T-yyZVUQY_I/AAAAAAAAALg/Nn9tyzyX8h8/s200/Copy+of+Gala_12+%2528234-A%2529.jpg" title="Sea Lions Swimming and Playing in the Galapagos Islands tropical waters" width="200" /></a>They watched as I dove down into the water for a long underwater swim with the baby sea lion pups who <span style="background-color: white;">followed me like they were my own kids. I dove; they dove. I twisted and twirled; so did they. I went into a cave; they followed. Under a reef, they played peek-a-boo. The more I played at their games, the more rambunctious they became. </span><span style="background-color: white;">And, seeing the fun, more pups and adult sea lions came to join us.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Soon, everyone was joining in the fun. Sea lions of every shape and size surrounded all of us wanting to play. They dove, they twirled, snaked and rubbed their bodies around us and nuzzled and touched us. They frolicked and played. They nipped and bounded at each other like any puppies at home. We reached out and touched them and they were unafraid; they bumped their little noses against us. They just wanted more. Their faces were adorable and compelling; their eyes were </span>engaging and seemed even to twinkle. <br />
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They appeared to smile and stare us right in the eyes and dare us to en<span style="background-color: white;">gage in a game of follow the leader. They beckoned us for just a little more play time. Their happy barks joined our own laughter. Soon, many of us were barking with them. Each and every one of us hated to leave them. Fortunately, my aforementioned expert underwater photographer memorialized these moments in truly magnificent underwater footage from Aqua Surround. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiwIQm2GtXU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see the antics of swimming with the sea lions.</span><br />
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Nothing can compare to swimming with the sea lions. I promised my group a thrilling and memorable day and I delivered. I was as happy as they. It was, once again, a little piece of Paradise.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-83002314444708682792016-02-28T09:42:00.001-06:002016-03-05T05:31:27.155-06:00Galapagos Sea Lions - They Definitely Are Not Seals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CMiVF3BmUKA/UGsyMpH4EAI/AAAAAAAACZ8/bZl3JxOOuxE/s1600/manu28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sea Lion Basking on a Bench in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands" border="0" height="213" mea="true" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CMiVF3BmUKA/UGsyMpH4EAI/AAAAAAAACZ8/bZl3JxOOuxE/s320/manu28.jpg" title="Sea Lion Basking on a Bench in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sea Lion Basking on a Bench in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Ask any visitor to tell you the highlight of their visit to the Galapagos Islands, and you're as likely as not to hear "The sea lions!" It's true - everyone loves the sea lions. They greet you on every island. They are unafraid. They are entertaining. They are cute. They are noisy. They show up in the most expected - and unexpected - places. They sit on our park benches, taking over. They climb into our boats and pangas if we let them. They lay about the ocean front property - after all, they were here first; they actually do own the beach! They swim and cavort in the water. They don't mind having their picture taken - and are more than willing to pose. So, everyone gets bragging rights to having taken wonderful photos of the sea lions.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4VxvnuNhTBQ/T-yyVuLIW7I/AAAAAAAAAK4/BJnXVTaMlzc/s1600/April+30+Sante+Fe+Island_1158+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sea Lion Pup" border="0" height="188" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4VxvnuNhTBQ/T-yyVuLIW7I/AAAAAAAAAK4/BJnXVTaMlzc/s200/April+30+Sante+Fe+Island_1158+%25283%2529.jpg" title="Sea Lion Pup" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sea Lion Pup</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">But, there's a lot to learn about them too. For example, Galapagos sea lions are ubiquitous in the Galapagos Islands. They </span><span style="background-color: white;">are endemic and exclusive to the</span><span style="background-color: white;"> archipelago (except for </span><span style="background-color: white;">one location on Ecuador's mainland coastline) and can be seen and heard on every island; the total population is about 50,000 sea lions. They are quite large as sea lions go and range in size from mature males of about 1000 pounds to mature females of about 700 pounds. Pups weigh about 13 pounds at birth.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">In physique, sea lion males, like human males, are broader on top and more narrow through their abdomen. Female sea lions are somewhat more slender in general. The males also have a forehead, unlike females and pups, which have flatter heads. All sea lions have a pointy, whiskered nose and a long, narrow muzzle.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4fSjSgvN0kI/T-yyXFe5vOI/AAAAAAAAALI/f5WquoNOnsU/s1600/Contact+Us+Brian%2527s+Sea+Lions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sea Lion Colony on Gardner Bay, Espanola Island" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4fSjSgvN0kI/T-yyXFe5vOI/AAAAAAAAALI/f5WquoNOnsU/s200/Contact+Us+Brian%2527s+Sea+Lions.jpg" title="Sea Lion Colony on Gardner Bay, Espanola Island" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sea Lion Colony on Gardner Bay</b></td></tr>
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On each island there are colonies of sea lions. Within each colony, there are multiple males (bulls). Each bull controls his own a harem of females (cows) and the territory surrounding it. It’s an interesting sight to behold as the male swims back and forth along the coastline patrolling the area that houses his family of 5-25 females and their pups. As he surveys his brood, he may be seen, and definitely heard, lifting his head out of the water and barking his territorial ownership.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IvZumiRAF6I/T-yyWtprU8I/AAAAAAAAALA/N2EsshSwegg/s1600/April+30+South+Plaza+island_1126+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Male Galapagos Sea Lions playing and learning to fight" border="0" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IvZumiRAF6I/T-yyWtprU8I/AAAAAAAAALA/N2EsshSwegg/s200/April+30+South+Plaza+island_1126+%25282%2529.jpg" title="Male Galapagos Sea Lions playing and learning to fight" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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Males regularly engage in battles for dominance and challenges occur all the time. It’s almost inevitable that the reigning bull is going to be ousted. After all, he is so committed to protecting his harem that he cannot leave it to feed himself. Thus, over time, the one who was strongest, weakens and another male will eventually be capable of taking over his territory. These challenges can become rather physical, thus the reason for the males' thick necks and torso – this thickness protects them from the physical blows and other battle scars that can occur during a fight for domination.<br />
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It's not so terrible to lose the fight though. The once-dominant male gets to go on a much-needed vacation. He joins the other extra males on their own beach front property where they can eat their way back to health and lie around on the beach like couch potatoes! There they live together until they strengthen and take on another challenge.<br />
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There are no Seals in the Galapagos - Only Sea Lions of Two Types</span></h3>
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But, these endemic sea lions aren't the only marine mammal in the Galapagos Islands. And, because sea lions are unfamiliar creatures, they are often called by the name "seal", a better known and similar looking creature. Here, I am going to tell you about the two types of sea lions in Galapagos and teach you how to distinguish the two types of Galapagos sea lions from seals.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-drbFeUv8WK0/UGdQdC5-2JI/AAAAAAAACXA/V1UxfnqIfmg/s1600/Fur+Seal+Creative+Commons+by+A+Davey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Galapagos Fur Seal" border="0" height="146" kea="true" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-drbFeUv8WK0/UGdQdC5-2JI/AAAAAAAACXA/V1UxfnqIfmg/s200/Fur+Seal+Creative+Commons+by+A+Davey.jpg" title="Galapagos Fur Seal" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Fur Sea Lion</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_rzFWKqpPtQ/UGdROW5ivNI/AAAAAAAACXY/eFFVZVFSigE/s1600/May+3+Espanola+Island+Gardner+Bay+IMG_1393+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Galapagos Sea Lion" border="0" height="160" kea="true" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_rzFWKqpPtQ/UGdROW5ivNI/AAAAAAAACXY/eFFVZVFSigE/s200/May+3+Espanola+Island+Gardner+Bay+IMG_1393+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Galapagos Sea Lion" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sea Lion</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">It's inevitable. At the beginning of the week as we start a cruise, my guests refer to sea lions as seals, and I correct them, repeatedly, until the word “sea lion” becomes second nature. I admit, sometimes I threaten a $5.00 fine for each time they use the word seal, but I never collect a dime! There is a legitimate reason for the confusion, because lots of people call the second type "fur seal." But, that is a real misnomer and should be referred to as fur sea lion. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Both types of sea lions are within the order pinnipeds, meaning fin-footed. I am going to discuss the difference between these pinnipeds and “true seals” below. But recognizing that there are great similarities and shared characteristics between the Galapagos sea lions and fur sea lions goes a long way toward explaining the confusion.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Characteristics </span>That Fur Sea Lions and Galapagos Sea Lions Have in Common </h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-90fs5B3vWBE/UGdQ_h_uWKI/AAAAAAAACXQ/I2c43yBppiw/s1600/sea-lion-pup-at-a-beach-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Adorable Sea Lion Pup" border="0" height="133" kea="true" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-90fs5B3vWBE/UGdQ_h_uWKI/AAAAAAAACXQ/I2c43yBppiw/s200/sea-lion-pup-at-a-beach-0.jpg" title="Adorable Sea Lion Pup" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">Both have ear flaps and great hearing</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">Both have short fur</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">Both have fine-tuned whiskers called vibrissae which work as tactile sensors, much like those of a cat</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">Both have large, hairless flippers which they use more effectively on land. They are able to rotate their hind flippers toward the ground thus enabling them to walk on all four appendages</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">They are both social, although Galapagos sea lions are more so than the fur sea lion</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">Both are carnivorous and eat a wide variety of fish, crustaceans and clams</span></li>
<li style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">Both spend time on both the land and in the water. </span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Characteristics </span>That Differentiate Fur Sea Lions and Galapagos Sea Lions </h4>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Still, there are substantial differences between fur seals and sea lions as well. Here they are: </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-08Sex5Pq4-8/UGdQZVCVTEI/AAAAAAAACW4/23-Z-ttxB_E/s1600/Fur+seal+pup+CC+alh1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fur Seal Pup" border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-08Sex5Pq4-8/UGdQZVCVTEI/AAAAAAAACW4/23-Z-ttxB_E/s200/Fur+seal+pup+CC+alh1.jpg" title="Fur Seal Pup" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Fur Sea Lion Pup</b></td></tr>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">The Galapagos sea lion has a blunt nose, while the fur sea lion has a pointed nose</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">The </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">Galapagos </span>sea lion tends to be unafraid of people, while the fur sea lion may exhibit some signs of fear</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">The </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">Galapagos </span>sea lion's hind flippers move independently; those of the fur sea lion are longer and move together</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">The </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">Galapagos </span>sea lion has coarser, less dense hair, while the fur sea lion has finer, denser and thicker hair</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">The </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">Galapagos </span>sea lion has marked color variation between the sexes, while there is little color variation between the sexes in fur sea lions</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">Galapagos s</span>ea lions prefer sandy beaches, while fur sea lions prefer rocky shores</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">Adult male </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">Galapagos </span>sea lions have a mane of longer hair around their neck and chest, while fur sea lions have no mane</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">Galapagos s</span>ea lions feed over the continental shelf, while fur sea lions feed at edge of the continental shelf and sometimes even beyond it</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">The </span><span style="background-color: white;">fur sea lion is the smallest member of this family, while </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">Galapagos </span>sea lions can be very large, up to even 1000 pounds</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">The fur sea lion is a better climber</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">The fur sea lion's eyes tend to be bigger than those of a </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">Galapagos </span>sea lion; some say it has a sad expression, while a </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">Galapagos </span>sea lion seems to have a smile on its face (see the photo above for the precious smile)</span></li>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">The fur sea lion’s voice is hoarser and more guttural, but is less often used; the </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">Galapagos </span>sea lion's bark is loud and frequent.</span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white;">That helps with the distinction between a Galapagos sea lion and a Galapagos fur seal, but there are even bigger difference between these sea lions and “true seals," which are not found on the Galapagos Islands.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>A Comparison Between Galapagos Sea Lions and "True" Seals</b> </span></h3>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">First of all, let's start with their origins. Sea lions are descendents of wolves; seals are descended from bears.</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">True seals do not exist in the Galapagos Islands</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">Sea lions have external flaps that look like ears; seals do not, instead they have tiny holes on the sides of their sleek heads; both have excellent hearing skills</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">Seals are generally smaller than sea lions</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">A major difference is in their flippers: Sea lion flippers are much better adapted to the land than those of the seal.</span></li>
<li style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">The sea lion’s front flippers have a band of fur, but are mostly covered in a leathery skin. They have digits and claws. Their flipper configuration makes sea lions very agile in the water. </span></li>
<li style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">Sea lions also have the ability to control their flippers independently, which helps them in changing direction underwater and gives the greater control when on land. Seals, in contrast, have weaker, furry and stubbly front feet with thinly webbed flippers; their hind flippers don't rotate. They are much smaller than those of the sea lion. They move on land by using these little appendages to wiggle forward, and their movement is sort of caterpillar-like. Their back flippers are, however, stronger and propel them powerfully through the water</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Sea lions are noisy; seals are quieter, vocalizing through soft grunts instead of barks and roars</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">There is a difference in a sea lion's and seal's sex organs as well. </span>The seal's penis and testes are internal and their nipples can be retracted to reduce drag, thus making them very aerodynamic in the water</li>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">Seals are less social than their sea-lion cousins. They spend more time in the water than sea lions do and often lead solitary lives in the wild, coming ashore together only once a year to meet and mate. </span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white;">As we have learned and seen for ourselves, sea lions love to lull around together, playing, cavorting, sun bathing and entertaining themselves and, as very lucky bystanders, us as well. </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-76726467364404605592016-02-28T09:41:00.001-06:002016-02-28T09:41:23.780-06:00Rabida Island in Galapagos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-RoO55VpRw/ULjnCQoSKYI/AAAAAAAACws/gP9BRp80dFo/s1600/Rabida+from+boat+by+by+PutneyMark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Approaching Rabida Island in the Galapagos from Boat" border="0" height="197" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-RoO55VpRw/ULjnCQoSKYI/AAAAAAAACws/gP9BRp80dFo/s400/Rabida+from+boat+by+by+PutneyMark.jpg" title="Approaching Rabida Island in the Galapagos from Boat" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Approaching Rabida from Boat by Mark Putney</b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Don’t let its small size mislead you. Though just over 1.9 miles in total area with a maximum altitude of only 1200 feet, Rabida Island is filled with wonders that will captivate you. A veritable rainbow of color, texture, and light, this island hosts abundant flora and fauna, much of it endemic to the island. I don't get to Rabida as often as I get to many of the other Islands, but when I do it is a feast for my eyes, an opportunity for photographers to "go crazy" and a rare and much-loved treat for me.<br />
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Rabida is located in the center of the Galapagos Islands. It’s a marvelous area for snorkeling as the water teems with fish, marine iguanas and our beloved sea lions. It also offers a special and unique landscape, including the opportunity to walk on a rocky red sand beach.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>As you approach Rabida from your boat, it will not be immediately apparent that this small island offers an abundance of wild life and a great opportunity to absorb some of the richest Galapagos landscape. Soon, as you first place your feet on the stunning red sand beach, that will change. Have your camera ready so that you don’t miss a thing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AVnXREoGFUM/ULjnE-zTxyI/AAAAAAAACxI/AtfKSxW4c0s/s1600/red+sand+beach+from+above+with+cactus+and+brush+by+jorgen+nybrolin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Layers of Color and Red Sand Beach on Rabida Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AVnXREoGFUM/ULjnE-zTxyI/AAAAAAAACxI/AtfKSxW4c0s/s200/red+sand+beach+from+above+with+cactus+and+brush+by+jorgen+nybrolin.jpg" title="Layers of Color and Red Sand Beach on Rabida Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Layers of Color and Red Sand Beach by Jorgen Nybrolin</b></td></tr>
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A visit to Rabida begins with a wet landing on a beach of reddish/maroon sand. This unusual and dramatic color comes from high levels of iron found in what is called scoria, a particulate material created by explosive eruptions when hot lava meets sea water. Thus, your first impression upon arriving is that something special is right under your feet. Then you take a look around and the vista that appears is breathtaking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JTolfR_qqVU/ULjnED12czI/AAAAAAAACxA/qd1hDo5GPdI/s1600/Rabida+pelican+in+flight+by+PutneyMark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Galapagos Pelican Soaring Over Rabida Island" border="0" height="135" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JTolfR_qqVU/ULjnED12czI/AAAAAAAACxA/qd1hDo5GPdI/s200/Rabida+pelican+in+flight+by+PutneyMark.jpg" title="Galapagos Pelican Soaring Over Rabida Island" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rabida Pelican by Mark Putney </b></td></tr>
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Observe the layers of color, light, shade and topography. Take in the blue sky against the red sand, green grass, black lava and brown terrain. Open your eyes and you will realize that immediately behind the beach is an area of salt brush. There, brown pelicans nest. In the right season, you may see those nests and even some babies, though they will be very well shielded by their protective mothers. Look up to see the marvelous pelicans swooping up to their nests and look down to see them swooping into the clear Pacific Ocean to feed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ctyqpdTML9w/ULjnBB4WxRI/AAAAAAAACwg/U01XVDniKww/s1600/Rabida+Cliff+by+Jorgen+Nybrolin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rabida Islands Red Cliffs" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ctyqpdTML9w/ULjnBB4WxRI/AAAAAAAACwg/U01XVDniKww/s200/Rabida+Cliff+by+Jorgen+Nybrolin.jpg" title="Rabida Islands Red Cliffs" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Photo by Jorgen Nybrolin </b></td></tr>
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Raise your eyes some more; there you will see the monumental cliffs of the now extinct shield volcano that produced Rabida Island. I love to go to Rabida just to view and share its unique volcanic formations. There are hills and valleys, caves and overhangs. Frequently eroded hills are evidenced and lava formations from spatter cones and lava flows abound to create a moonlike landscape. The volcanic cliffs house both Nazca and Blue Footed Boobies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5t5iSJxZwVw/ULjnCxax79I/AAAAAAAACw4/b_XJFhExNmY/s1600/Rabida+landscape+and+flamingoes+by+akasped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Flamingo Lagoon on Rabida Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="135" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5t5iSJxZwVw/ULjnCxax79I/AAAAAAAACw4/b_XJFhExNmY/s200/Rabida+landscape+and+flamingoes+by+akasped.jpg" title="Flamingo Lagoon on Rabida Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Flamingoes and Lagoon by akasped </b></td></tr>
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Continuing along the path from the beach, you will arrive at a saltwater lagoon populated by gorgeous pink flamingos, Bahama pintail ducks and Stilts. Rabida offers the best lagoons in all of Galapagos for viewing flamingos. These large pink or reddish birds live in shallow saltwater lagoons and spend 7-12 hours each day eating pink shrimp larva that gives them their color. Sometimes on Rabida we see only one flamingo; other days we see dozens. I always expect the unexpected!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvPusnZi8wY/ULjm-9RzfMI/AAAAAAAACwI/qa18c0j2V8s/s1600/JUvenile+hawk+on+Rabida+by+putneymark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Galapagos Hawk on Rabida Island" border="0" height="129" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvPusnZi8wY/ULjm-9RzfMI/AAAAAAAACwI/qa18c0j2V8s/s200/JUvenile+hawk+on+Rabida+by+putneymark.jpg" title="Galapagos Hawk on Rabida Island" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rabida Hawk by Mark Putney</b></td></tr>
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Along the trail you are likely to see finches, doves, yellow warblers, hawks and mockingbirds. Of the fifteen finch species endemic to the Galapagos Islands, it is reported that nine have been seen on Rabida Island itself. In contrast to the saltwater lagoon, Rabida also has dry areas where Palo Santo trees grow. There are caves in the volcanic walls. Your hike will continue up the cliffs of the volcano, through a rocky red terrain, and will end at an overhang which presents you with an unmatchable ocean view, panoramic observation of coves, the lagoon and the scarlet cliffs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kcOycUYXC_c/ULoLEiSNFcI/AAAAAAAACyM/_vWLItkJK_k/s1600/American+Oyster+Catcher+on+Rabida+Mark+Putney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="American Oyster Catcher on Rabida Island, Galapagos" border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kcOycUYXC_c/ULoLEiSNFcI/AAAAAAAACyM/_vWLItkJK_k/s200/American+Oyster+Catcher+on+Rabida+Mark+Putney.jpg" title="American Oyster Catcher on Rabida Island, Galapagos" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>American Oyster Catcher by Mark Putney</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1GZur90ngc/ULoLFQid_UI/AAAAAAAACyQ/A1bnqodkqQE/s1600/mockingbird+by+A.+Davey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Galapagos Mockingbird on Rabida Island" border="0" height="151" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1GZur90ngc/ULoLFQid_UI/AAAAAAAACyQ/A1bnqodkqQE/s200/mockingbird+by+A.+Davey.jpg" title="Galapagos Mockingbird on Rabida Island" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Galapagos Mockingbird by A. Putney</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPa1j2fODwE/ULoLF6_geYI/AAAAAAAACyY/R6ZS7yGZPNw/s1600/mockingbird+with+mature+cactus+A.+Davey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Galapagos Mockingbird on Rabida Island" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPa1j2fODwE/ULoLF6_geYI/AAAAAAAACyY/R6ZS7yGZPNw/s200/mockingbird+with+mature+cactus+A.+Davey.jpg" title="Galapagos Mockingbird on Rabida Island" width="168" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Galapagos Mockingbird by A. Putney</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dV0zGF0d71E/ULjnAWPyeEI/AAAAAAAACwY/28x1Pgbf2WQ/s1600/Marine+Iguanas+on+Rabida+by+bmeabroad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Iguanas In the Sun on Rabida Island's Red Sand Beach" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dV0zGF0d71E/ULjnAWPyeEI/AAAAAAAACwY/28x1Pgbf2WQ/s200/Marine+Iguanas+on+Rabida+by+bmeabroad.jpg" title="Iguanas In the Sun on Rabida Island's Red Sand Beach" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Iguanas on Red Sand Beach by bmeabraod </b></td></tr>
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Don’t be surprised to see lazy sea lions and marine iguanas basking in the shade of the caves or on the beach. You’ll see them lazing around, protecting themselves from the harsh sunlight and capitalizing on the beauty around them! I certainly understand why anyone - including an iguana or sea lion - would choose Rabida as their home?<br />
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The sea lions on Rabida may be basking in the sun, lounging on the cliffs or even taking a much-needed break from their mating rituals in the bachelor sea lion colony.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ycrvoyACgjU/ULjm99U-khI/AAAAAAAACwA/GUKi_CmP5qU/s1600/Cutest+Sea+Lions+on+Rabida+by+Jenny+Ayala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Galapagos Sea Lions on Beach on Rabida Island" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ycrvoyACgjU/ULjm99U-khI/AAAAAAAACwA/GUKi_CmP5qU/s200/Cutest+Sea+Lions+on+Rabida+by+Jenny+Ayala.jpg" title="Galapagos Sea Lions on Beach on Rabida Island" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Photo by Jenny Ayala</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DFAED-WpHw0/ULjnBktO_6I/AAAAAAAACwo/w43aAb32yYM/s1600/Rabida+baby+sea+lion+by+PutneyMark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cutest Baby Galapagos Sea Lion Ever on Rabida Beach" border="0" height="125" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DFAED-WpHw0/ULjnBktO_6I/AAAAAAAACwo/w43aAb32yYM/s200/Rabida+baby+sea+lion+by+PutneyMark.jpg" title="Cutest Baby Galapagos Sea Lion Ever on Rabida Beach" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Cutest Baby Sea Lion Ever by Mark Putney</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K0Djo6g0sJc/ULjm_uVaWqI/AAAAAAAACwQ/e3W8NLXtwOw/s1600/Male+Sea+Lion+Covered+with+Red+Sand+Patrolling+the+Beach+by+Maveric2003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Male Galapagos Sea Lion Patrolling the BeachTurned Red from Sand on Rabida's Red Sand Beach" border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K0Djo6g0sJc/ULjm_uVaWqI/AAAAAAAACwQ/e3W8NLXtwOw/s200/Male+Sea+Lion+Covered+with+Red+Sand+Patrolling+the+Beach+by+Maveric2003.jpg" title="Male Galapagos Sea Lion Patrolling the BeachTurned Red from Sand on Rabida's Red Sand Beach" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Male Sea Lion Patrolling the Beach by Maverick 2003</b></td></tr>
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Rabida was once the home to geckos and land iguanas as well. Unfortunately, before they were eradicated by the Galapagos National Park Service, goats rendered those animals extinct. <br />
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This satisfying walk is just part of a typical visit to Rabida, for its surrounding waters offer snorkeling opportunities. Among other thing, sharks and manta rays are commonly seen.<br />
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I started this post by telling you that though small, Rabida is large in drama, wildlife, bird life and beauty. These photographs give you just a taste of this lovely tropical island. (All photos in this post are from Flickr Creative Commons.)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-7274678604244437382016-02-28T09:40:00.003-06:002016-02-28T09:40:46.056-06:00Boobies Dive Bombing for Their Dinner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICB2oO-vD28/UM25SxPiOlI/AAAAAAAAA4E/mL-NZLGPjUw/s1600/dsc_0289+-+copia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/07/espanola-island-punta-suarez_21.html" border="0" height="291" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICB2oO-vD28/UM25SxPiOlI/AAAAAAAAA4E/mL-NZLGPjUw/s400/dsc_0289+-+copia.jpg" title="Blue Footed Boobie Male and Female Pair" width="400" /></a></div>
Ask any visitor to the Galapagos Islands what they loved about their trip and they are bound to tell you all about our fabulous Blue Footed Boobies. I mention them in many of my posts because we see them on every Island. Typically when I write about those funny,
clown-like and fascinating inhabitants of the Galapagos Islands, I talk about their mating habits and their adorable and irresistible little
chicks. Any one lucky enough to experience their mating dance will have a memory to last a lifetime. I show this ritual in my <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/07/espanola-island-punta-suarez_21.html" target="_blank">Espanola Post</a>.<br />
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I'm often asked why these birds have blue feet. It's a particularly intriguing question because almost every Galapagos animal or bird species blends into the stark volcanic environment with its pallet a range of brown, beige, sepia, and black, interspersed with green scruffy plant life. How then did they end up with bright blue feet - and electrifying color in contrast to the earthy tones? The answer goes right back to the mating ritual. The males strut around displaying their feet to the females who, in turn, are attracted to that azure color. The bluer the better and more magnetic. The Boobies' feet serve the same purpose as the coloration of so many male birds, like cardinals or frigatebirds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E0HsHNqo7jU/UM282wIVMfI/AAAAAAAAA4s/KIXxu1H7Tgk/s1600/blue+footed+booby+and+baby+from+gps+conservancy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Blue Footed Boobie Tending to a Chick" border="0" height="154" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E0HsHNqo7jU/UM282wIVMfI/AAAAAAAAA4s/KIXxu1H7Tgk/s200/blue+footed+booby+and+baby+from+gps+conservancy.jpg" title="Blue Footed Boobie Tending to a Chick" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Photo from Galapagos Conservancy</b></td></tr>
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The Blue Footed Boobies also use their feet to protect their little chicks. The<b> </b>feet are webbed and actually are used to cover the chicks and protect them from the sun and heat. <br />
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Here are a few examples of our famous and delightful Boobies:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PgE70Md20N4/UM25QaiTrVI/AAAAAAAAA34/bSqd2RLaTvc/s1600/May+3+Espagnola+Albatross+and+BoobiesIMG_1550+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Boobie Close Up Showing Their Feathers That Give Them Buoyancy in the Water" border="0" height="259" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PgE70Md20N4/UM25QaiTrVI/AAAAAAAAA34/bSqd2RLaTvc/s320/May+3+Espagnola+Albatross+and+BoobiesIMG_1550+%25283%2529.JPG" title="Boobie Close Up Showing Their Feathers That Give Them Buoyancy in the Water" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Boobie Close Up Showing Their Feathers That Give Them Buoyancy in the Water</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLLnLLkvDss/UM25SBfwZnI/AAAAAAAAA4A/n2DV6H7mcro/s1600/May+3+Espagnola+Albatross+and+BoobiesIMG_1551+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Boobies Kissing As Part of Their Mating Dance" border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLLnLLkvDss/UM25SBfwZnI/AAAAAAAAA4A/n2DV6H7mcro/s320/May+3+Espagnola+Albatross+and+BoobiesIMG_1551+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Boobies Kissing As Part of Their Mating Dance" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Boobies Kissing As Part of Their Mating Dance</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nksNxUZIGDA/UM26BMkBKlI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/y9oqaiP8hZk/s1600/5216852-Baby_Boobies-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Blue Footed Boobie with Two Newborn Chicks" border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nksNxUZIGDA/UM26BMkBKlI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/y9oqaiP8hZk/s320/5216852-Baby_Boobies-0.jpg" title="Blue Footed Boobie with Two Newborn Chicks" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Blue Footed Boobie with Two Newborn Chicks photo from Creative Commons</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lLiiPkjj-7c/UM282K6_l_I/AAAAAAAAA4k/wFCv4H4ITPE/s1600/babies+from+TheYoYoMaN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Two Fluffy Boobie Chicks Setting Off On Their Own" border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lLiiPkjj-7c/UM282K6_l_I/AAAAAAAAA4k/wFCv4H4ITPE/s320/babies+from+TheYoYoMaN.jpg" title="Two Fluffy Boobie Chicks Setting Off On Their Own" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Two Fluffy Boobie Chicks Setting Off On Their Own, photo from TheYoYoMan, Creative Commons</b></td></tr>
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But there is more to boobies than their mating habits. For example - they have to eat. They typically eat small fish, and their keen eyes allow them to sight the fish in the water from as high as 80-100 feet above the ocean surface. They travel sometimes in large numbers and attack the little fish, such as anchovies, that serve as their main sustenance.<br />
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Blue Footed Boobies are wonderful divers. And their method of dive bombing for their dinner is as ritualized as their mating dance. Their wings and feathers, which provide buoyancy, fold back and give them a streamlined body. Then, they plunge. Every so often, we are lucky enough to see a group of Blue Footed Boobies at feeding time. They mass together and dive bomb for a delicious fish dinner. This is a spectacular sight. This video is from YouTube.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aIMEVumZNP8?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Blue Footed Boobies - they really are a Galapagos Island favorite.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-38626926353422596162016-02-28T09:40:00.000-06:002016-03-05T05:28:06.452-06:00No Two Galapagos Iguanas Are Alike - A Photographic Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PuVcIXNpJgY/URvnpYfFQyI/AAAAAAAADEA/Q4mi2a3ede4/s1600/igu+terr.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tlXbTSpjqN4/URvp-PhbtxI/AAAAAAAADGU/0DOfHAZyM2U/s1600/BB+Igu+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Galapagos Island Iguana" border="0" height="141" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tlXbTSpjqN4/URvp-PhbtxI/AAAAAAAADGU/0DOfHAZyM2U/s200/BB+Igu+(2).JPG" title="Galapagos Island Iguana" width="200" /></a>Iguanas are one of the most ubiquitous and interesting characters in the Galapagos Islands. In reading my <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/07/galapagos-marine-and-land-iguanas.html" target="_blank">earlier post</a>, you will have learned that they are the only ones who forage on both the land and in the sea. <br />
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But, here’s another very interesting fact: the iguanas on each and every island are different. They have adapted to their environments in coloration and size based on the available food sources as well as the lava rock on which they rest and camouflage themselves. Here, through photographs, are examples of the colors and differences of the iguanas on many of the Galapagos Islands.<br />
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<b>Fernandina</b>:<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThQIxVzevLU/URvpPbh_8_I/AAAAAAAADGE/2DWs5w5_L2M/s1600/Iguana+and+lava+Lizard++Espinosa+Point+Fernandina+IMG_1529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Iguana and Lava Lizard, Espinosa Point, Fernandina" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThQIxVzevLU/URvpPbh_8_I/AAAAAAAADGE/2DWs5w5_L2M/s200/Iguana+and+lava+Lizard++Espinosa+Point+Fernandina+IMG_1529.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Iguana and Lava Lizard, Espinosa Point, Fernandina</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uRh7Qnpm4IM/URvo-HepE9I/AAAAAAAADE8/UFg4gTZGXt0/s1600/Iguana+Espinosa+Point+Fernandina+IMG_1621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Resting Iguana, Urbina Bay, Fernandina" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uRh7Qnpm4IM/URvo-HepE9I/AAAAAAAADE8/UFg4gTZGXt0/s200/Iguana+Espinosa+Point+Fernandina+IMG_1621.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Resting Iguana, Urbina Bay, Fernandina</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHxLXJY7dnw/URvtvSBMMuI/AAAAAAAADGk/t9PMyobErZ0/s1600/Fernandina+Marine+Iguanas+Wiki.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marine Iguanas Basking in Fernandina Sunshine" border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHxLXJY7dnw/URvtvSBMMuI/AAAAAAAADGk/t9PMyobErZ0/s320/Fernandina+Marine+Iguanas+Wiki.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Marine Iguanas Basking in Fernandina Sunshine</b></td></tr>
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<b>Sante Fe</b><br />
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<img alt="Iguana Sante Fe Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" border="0" height="160" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m0Bzibr1-LQ/URvmd1jApqI/AAAAAAAADCs/5mSZ1iVwDw8/s200/April+30+Sante+Fe+Island+IMG_1090.jpg" title="Iguana Sante Fe Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" width="200" /> <img alt="Iguana Sante Fe Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjVH1V_ppD8/URvmes7oOQI/AAAAAAAADC4/N6k_BbZ7r6g/s200/April+30+Sante+Fe+Island+IMG_1079.jpg" title="Iguana Sante Fe Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" width="200" /> <br />
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<img alt="Iguana Sante Fe Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" border="0" height="132" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PuVcIXNpJgY/URvnpYfFQyI/AAAAAAAADEA/Q4mi2a3ede4/s200/igu+terr.JPG" title="Iguana Sante Fe Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" width="200" /><br />
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<b>San Cristobal</b><br />
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<b><img alt="Iguana San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" border="0" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QiyKxPl6kzs/URvmexlwKEI/AAAAAAAADC0/jGY2QkSgIqQ/s200/May+1+San+Cristobal_1192+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Iguana San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" width="200" /></b><b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VvEwuEhJ6aE/URvpHv5ohPI/AAAAAAAADFc/reTJ4M_a468/s1600/Iguana+Punta+Pitt+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VvEwuEhJ6aE/URvpHv5ohPI/AAAAAAAADFc/reTJ4M_a468/s200/Iguana+Punta+Pitt+2.jpg" width="200" /></a> </b><br />
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<b>Espanola</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Iguanas at Suarez Point, Espanola Island" border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OR8TYVRVkxw/URvmg23ZG_I/AAAAAAAADDE/JYXyOw-7hmg/s200/May+3+Espagnola+Suarez+Point+Blow+Hole+IMG_1569+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Iguanas at Suarez Point, Espanola Island" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Iguanas at Suarez Point, Espanola Island</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Iguanas at Suarez Point, Espanola Island" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UVxz1GFheg8/URvmjN1RPHI/AAAAAAAADDM/BsurXTIIhLE/s200/May+3+Espanola+Island+and+Suarez+Point+IMG_1471+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Iguanas at Suarez Point, Espanola Island" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Iguanas at Suarez Point, Espanola Island</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Christmas Iguana at Suarez Point, Espanola Island" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8dRGch6S5Q/URvokAj5D0I/AAAAAAAADEU/IkTqbQsSLrY/s200/Iguana+Christmas+Suarez+Point+Espanola+IMG_2286.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Christmas Iguana at Suarez Point, Espanola Island" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Christmas Iguana at Suarez Point, Espanola Island</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Christmas Iguana at Suarez Point, Espanola Island" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cR27ydNCYrQ/URvnl0eUvJI/AAAAAAAADDk/XFKMy9DbQ0E/s200/Copy+of+igu+espa%25C3%25B1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Christmas Iguana at Suarez Point, Espanola Island" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Christmas Iguana at Suarez Point, Espanola Island</b></td></tr>
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<b>Santiago</b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VAloxsiL3J0/URvoe9QLs-I/AAAAAAAADEM/jtkt1hCO9-Y/s1600/Iguana+Buchaneer+Cove+Santiago+IMG_1052-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<img alt="Iguana Santiago Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Awdtbp81zy4/URvokvXPJUI/AAAAAAAADEY/U04m8PZqJZ0/s200/Iguana+Egas+Point+Santiago+IMG_1082.JPG" title="Iguana Santiago Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" width="200" /> <img alt="Iguana Santiago Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8e5mMfkAPP4/URvo40YpsnI/AAAAAAAADEs/y9Q1ry-jhcU/s200/Iguana+Egas+Point+Santiago+IMG_1099.JPG" title="Iguana Santiago Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" width="200" /> <img alt="Iguana Santiago Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" border="0" height="140" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VAloxsiL3J0/URvoe9QLs-I/AAAAAAAADEM/jtkt1hCO9-Y/s200/Iguana+Buchaneer+Cove+Santiago+IMG_1052-2.JPG" title="Iguana Santiago Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" width="200" /><br />
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<b>Isabela</b> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pink Iguana, Volcan Wolf, Isabela Island, Galapagos Island, Ecuador" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mh4pl2P3_fU/URvqYv9OgXI/AAAAAAAADGc/GW8I-jRUpeA/s200/pink+igauna+Wolf+Volcano+Isabela.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pink Iguana, Volcan Wolf, Isabela Island, Galapagos Island, Ecuador" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pink Iguana, Volcan Wolf</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Iguanas and Sea Lions basking in the sun Isabela Island, Galapagos Island, Ecuador" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8e5mMfkAPP4/URvo40YpsnI/AAAAAAAADEs/y9Q1ry-jhcU/s200/Iguana+Egas+Point+Santiago+IMG_1099.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Iguanas and Sea Lions basking in the sun Isabela Island, Galapagos Island, Ecuador" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Basking in Sun</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Iguana Eating a Poison Apple Isabela Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9u-jTjSHhHo/URvpKV_PYzI/AAAAAAAADFk/Q4O9_2dKSB4/s200/Iguana+urbina+bay+isabela+eating+a+poison+apple+img_1806.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Iguana Eating a Poison Apple Isabela Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Iguana Eating a Poison Apple</b></td></tr>
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<b>North Seymour</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3dtqc330qEA/URvpDMQa7PI/AAAAAAAADFM/Z-PA7n6B5aY/s1600/Iguana+North+Seymour+IMG_2164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Land Iguana North Seymour Island Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3dtqc330qEA/URvpDMQa7PI/AAAAAAAADFM/Z-PA7n6B5aY/s200/Iguana+North+Seymour+IMG_2164.JPG" title="Land Iguana North Seymour Island Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Land Iguana</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Marine Iguana North Seymour Island Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1BmSVmH_Zs/URvo-lnIeQI/AAAAAAAADFA/5CPWiL8XV0Q/s200/Iguana+North+Seymour+IMG_2146.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Marine Iguana North Seymour Island Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Marine Iguanas</b></td></tr>
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<b>Some Very Special Iguana Photographs</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68p0j0iRjSU/URvpMJcozmI/AAAAAAAADF0/UNvGioCb2fo/s1600/Iguana+Vicente+Roca+Point+Isabela++Clinging+to+Cliff+Side+IMG_1368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" Baby Marine Iguanas on Isabela Cliffs, Galapagos, Ecuador" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68p0j0iRjSU/URvpMJcozmI/AAAAAAAADF0/UNvGioCb2fo/s200/Iguana+Vicente+Roca+Point+Isabela++Clinging+to+Cliff+Side+IMG_1368.JPG" title=" Baby Marine Iguanas on Isabela Cliffs, Galapagos, Ecuador" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Baby Marine Iguanas on Isabela Cliffs</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SdiSAq7Bsc0/URvpGY50HSI/AAAAAAAADFU/acizCN1YPzs/s1600/Iguana+Sante+Fe+IMG_2219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The largest of all the Galapagos land iguanas resting on a pillow on Sante Fe." border="0" height="168" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SdiSAq7Bsc0/URvpGY50HSI/AAAAAAAADFU/acizCN1YPzs/s200/Iguana+Sante+Fe+IMG_2219.JPG" title="The largest of all the Galapagos land iguanas resting on a pillow on Sante Fe." width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">The largest of all the land iguanas resting on a pillow on Sante Fe.</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uERqUnH-Sd0/URvo95GcDeI/AAAAAAAADE0/WhnkRGLoAU0/s1600/Iguana+Marine+Isabela+IMG_1478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" Marine iguana swimming, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uERqUnH-Sd0/URvo95GcDeI/AAAAAAAADE0/WhnkRGLoAU0/s200/Iguana+Marine+Isabela+IMG_1478.JPG" title=" Marine iguana swimming, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Marine iguana swimming.</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wxXxBUffAw4/URvok0w6ACI/AAAAAAAADEc/BXwTlityUXQ/s1600/Iguana+CDRS+IMG_1202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Iguanas outside of the Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz." border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wxXxBUffAw4/URvok0w6ACI/AAAAAAAADEc/BXwTlityUXQ/s200/Iguana+CDRS+IMG_1202.JPG" title="Iguanas outside of the Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz." width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Iguanas in the middle of the road outside of the Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz.</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ci3fk5Rvg1E/URvnpUGklFI/AAAAAAAADD8/m9I24DqEUFk/s1600/DSC_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" Symbiotic relationship between iguana and lava lizard, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" border="0" height="128" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ci3fk5Rvg1E/URvnpUGklFI/AAAAAAAADD8/m9I24DqEUFk/s200/DSC_0076.JPG" title=" Symbiotic relationship between iguana and lava lizard, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> Symbiotic relationship between iguana and lava lizard.</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YsxkpsqwCR4/URvpMbCoYCI/AAAAAAAADF4/FZO1-09IxDM/s1600/Iguanas+Fighting+Isabela+Vicente+Roca+Point+IMG_1374-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Iguanas ready for a fight to the finish on Isabela with indifferent bystanders on Isabela." border="0" height="123" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YsxkpsqwCR4/URvpMbCoYCI/AAAAAAAADF4/FZO1-09IxDM/s200/Iguanas+Fighting+Isabela+Vicente+Roca+Point+IMG_1374-1.JPG" title="Iguanas ready for a fight to the finish on Isabela with indifferent bystanders on Isabela." width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Iguanas ready for a fight to the finish on Isabela wi<span style="font-size: x-small;">th indifferent bystand<span style="font-size: x-small;">ers</span></span>.</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFojm4XtmcY/URv7DSAWooI/AAAAAAAADHk/NfL0dGlwGl0/s1600/Iguana+Hurt+After+a+Fight++Espinosa+Point+Fernandina+IMG_1536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The loser in the aftermath of an iguana fight, galapagos Islands, Ecuador." border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFojm4XtmcY/URv7DSAWooI/AAAAAAAADHk/NfL0dGlwGl0/s200/Iguana+Hurt+After+a+Fight++Espinosa+Point+Fernandina+IMG_1536.JPG" title="The loser in the aftermath of an iguana fight, galapagos Islands, Ecuador" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>The loser in the a</b></span><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">ftermath of an iguana fight.</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4gvRGsCqPc/URv7OlhxWLI/AAAAAAAADHs/FloojKsUnkc/s1600/Iguanas+Mating+Espinosa+Point+Fernandina+IMG_1636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span id="goog_557348036"></span><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4gvRGsCqPc/URv7OlhxWLI/AAAAAAAADHs/FloojKsUnkc/s200/Iguanas+Mating+Espinosa+Point+Fernandina+IMG_1636.JPG" width="200" /><span id="goog_557348037"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Iguanas Mating.</b></span></div>
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Don't forget to browse throughout the blog at blog.galapagosecolodge.net and to visit our website at galapagosecolodge.net. We'd love to hear your feedback as well.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111576911790355859.post-70278608348284348152016-02-28T09:39:00.003-06:002016-05-27T12:53:22.678-06:00Travel Preparation for the Galapagos Islands<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Fernandina Island</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">You’re traveling to the Galapagos Islands! Be prepared because the Galapagos Islands are unique and special – unlike any other place on Earth.</span></div>
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This post provides you with some of the practical information every traveler to the Galapagos Islands should know: the weather, what to pack, our currency, and other general information that will help you prepare to make your trip as seamless as possible.<br />
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The Galapagos Islands are Unique - Prepare Yourself For a Once In a Lifetime Experience </h3>
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With the exception of hotel and ship board amenities and delicious food, you are leaving big city life behind. You
will travel to places where things are not the same as they are
back at home. Here, things are understated, not fancy. They are designed for relaxation and enjoyment. Nature, not materiality, is the focus of your time in the Galapagos Islands. Our culture differs from yours in many ways. Be prepared for some trade offs. For example, in exchange for maintaining our environment (land, sea and air) in as pristine a way as possible and for protecting our plant, animal and marine life, we limit land use, energy and water consumption and even the number of people and boats. If you find that your hotel room is a little smaller than expected, remember the land use limitations that bind us. And also, remember that it is because of these regulations that you will marvel at sea lions lounging not only on the beaches, but also on Main Street, Blue Footed Boobies dive bombing into the Pacific Ocean and stunning pure blue skies. <br />
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Let me give you a few facts to keep in mind during your stay here.<br />
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<li>You will be in a National Park where
everything is regulated and overseen. See my post on these regulations <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2013/08/rules-rules-and-more-rules_22.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </li>
<li>You will be expected to comply with these rules at all times, where ever you are. </li>
<li>All flora and fauna is protected. </li>
<li>The amount of land one may own is limited, building sizes are
restricted. </li>
<li>Water and electricity are rationed. You are likely to be asked to be aware of conservation during your stay here.</li>
<li>Until just a few years ago, there was no internet here. Though the large cities now have internet service, and even wifi, prepare for it to be erratic. Our communications systems and technology are not as sophisticated as they are back home. </li>
<li>Because we are a distant set of islands, everything is expensive as it has to be flown or shipped here. </li>
<li>Hotels and boats must comply with very strict regulations. Remember, this is not New York City!</li>
<li>Most hotels try to give you a sense of our customs and the ambiance of the Galapagos Islands so as to immerse you in our culture. </li>
<li>Throughout Ecuador you will see dogs, roosters and chickens seemingly on their own. The National Park Service is working on this, but don't let it be a surprise.</li>
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Enjoy your stay in the Galapagos Islands. When you are here, we want you to experience and become a part of the wonderful Paradise we call our home. But most of all, allow yourself the luxury of experiencing our culture and special "quirks" and trends. Your stay will be most enjoyable if you "go with the flow."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Gorgeous Blue Galapagos Sky</b></td></tr>
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You may experience vastly different climates during your visit. While we are located on the equator, often it is not as hot as you might expect it to be. Sometimes the temperatures are unpredictable. In the higher altitudes on the mainland, particularly Quito, it may be 50º F. At the same time, it may be 100º F in the Galapagos Islands. Plan for both extremes. It is coldest with the heaviest seas in the summer months of June, July and August. It is warmest with the calmest seas in January, February and March. This is all due to the currents that run throughout the Pacific Ocean. To learn about the currents and how they effect our weather see my <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/09/galapagos-island-geography-and-geology_16.html" target="_blank">earlier post</a>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sunset on Espanola Island</b></td></tr>
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Here in the Galapagos we have basically two seasons. It is dry and cool (never cold) from June through November, with a constant mist called “garua.” It is more warm and humid from December through May. During the cooler season, the Pacific Ocean is cooler as well, but the Galapagos Marine Reserve is bustling with activity. Both are excellent seasons to visit because the plant, animal and marine life all change with the seasons. Many visitors travel to Galapagos more than once so that they can experience the seasonal changes themselves.<br />
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<b>Temperature Variations</b><br />
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June</div>
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Oct</div>
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Nov</div>
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75</div>
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70</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: medium none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
70</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: medium none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 30pt;" width="40"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
71</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: medium none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
73</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="background: #ccffcc; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 1in;" valign="top" width="96"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Average Water Temperature<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: medium none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
73</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: medium none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
71</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: medium none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
70</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: medium none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
71</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: medium none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 30pt;" width="40"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
72</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: medium none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
73</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></o:p></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-collapse: collapse; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-left: -6.6pt;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 1in;" valign="top" width="96"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
</td><td colspan="6" style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left-style: none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 210pt;" valign="top" width="280"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Warmer Temperature; Drier Weather; Rougher Seas</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 1in;" valign="top" width="96"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td><td style="background-color: #ccffcc; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left-style: none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"><div class="MsoNormal">
Dec</div>
</td><td style="background-color: #ccffcc; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left-style: none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"><div class="MsoNormal">
Jan</div>
</td><td style="background-color: #ccffcc; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left-style: none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"><div class="MsoNormal">
Feb</div>
</td><td style="background-color: #ccffcc; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left-style: none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"><div class="MsoNormal">
March</div>
</td><td style="background-color: #ccffcc; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left-style: none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 30pt;" valign="top" width="40"><div class="MsoNormal">
April</div>
</td><td style="background-color: #ccffcc; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left-style: none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"><div class="MsoNormal">
May</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ccffcc; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 1in;" valign="top" width="96"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Average<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Outdoor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Temperature<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left-style: none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
74</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left-style: none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
77</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left-style: none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
78</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left-style: none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
83</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left-style: none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 30pt;" width="40"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
83</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left-style: none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
77</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ccffcc; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 1in;" valign="top" width="96"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Average Water Temperature<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left-style: none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
74</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left-style: none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
76</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left-style: none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
77</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left-style: none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
77</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left-style: none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 30pt;" width="40"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
77</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left-style: none; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top-style: none; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 0.5in;" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
76</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In June through November, the Galapagos Islands experience cooler temperatures and mistier weather. In this period, the average outdoor temperature ranges from 70-75 degrees, with July tending to be the warmest month. The average water temperature in this period ranges from 70 to 73.<br />
<br />
In December though May, the Islands experience warmer temperatures and drier weather. In these months, the average outdoor temperature ranges from 74 in December to 83 degrees in March and April. The average water temperature in these months ranges from 74 to 77 degrees.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Where are the Galapagos Islands? </b></h3>
<span style="background-color: white;">The Galapagos Islands are located 600 miles west of the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. The islands are found at the coordinates 1°40'N–1°36'S, 89°16'–92°01'W. Straddling the equator, islands in the chain are located in both the northern and southern hemisphere, with Volcán Wolf and Volcán Ecuador on Isla Isabela being directly on the equator. Española, the southernmost island, and Darwin, the northernmost island, are spread out over a distance of 220 km (137 mi).</span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>How do I get to the Galapagos Islands?</b></h3>
<span style="background-color: white;">You will travel by plane to continental Ecuador, either to Quayaquil or Quito. Guayaquil's (GYE) airport receives flights from U.S. cities of Miami and New York, European cities of Amsterdam and Madrid, and major cities of Central and South America. Quito's (UIO) airport receives flights from the U.S. via Atlanta, Houston, Miami, and New York; from Europe via Madrid and Amsterdam; and from many major cities in Central and Southern America.</span><br />
<br />
There is a lot to do on the mainland in Ecuador before or after your Galapagos Island trip so you may want to plan your travel plans accordingly. Often, your cruise travel agent will have a hotel in mind for you; check that before making a separate hotel reservation. In early 2013, Quito opened a new airport. The old airport was right next to the city. Now there is a drive from the airport into the city if you have plans to go sight seeing there. If your hotel is in the city, make sure to leave plenty of time to return to the airport for your flight to the Islands. The traffic can be problematic.<br />
<br />
If you are going on a boat trip, your tours generally will start on Saturday or Sunday (although recent changes allow mid-week itineraries as well). Of course, you might not be taking a boat trip at all or you might want to combine your cruise with some time in a hotel. The Galapagos Eco-Lodge offers tour packages and day trips for snorkeling, hiking, boating, sight seeing and more, giving you the option to stay on land and experience some Galapagos local culture at night. This is the way many guests choose to visit Galapagos. For more information on the Galapagos Eco-Lodge hotel and its travel and tourism packages for visitors, take a look at our website, <a href="http://galapagosecolodge.net/" target="_blank">Galapagos Eco-Lodge.net</a>.<br />
<br />
There are daily early morning flights directly to the Galapagos Islands, either Baltra or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal. Where you land will be determined by your Galapagos Island trip itinerary. TAME, AEROGAL and LAN airlines operate these routes. Flights from Quito usually stop in Guayaquil on their way to the islands.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span> </div>
<h3>
<b>Packing List</b></h3>
<i style="background-color: white;"> <b>Clothing</b></i><br />
<br />
There is only one guideline for clothing: For traveling in the Galapagos clothing ranges from informal to very informal. There is a per person weight limit of 44 pounds (20 kg) of luggage to the Galapagos Islands. If you are staying at a hotel in Quito or traveling outside of the Galapagos Islands, you may want to consider arranging to leave non-Galapagos items at your hotel. It’s a good idea to have a small extra bag to fold into your regular luggage for this purpose and to accommodate anything you might buy and accumulate during your trip.<br />
<br />
<i><b>We suggest packing</b></i><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Sneakers or walking shoes for dry landings and hiking on sand, lava, boulders and volcanic rock and compacted ash. Having an ample amount of tread is important. On the cruise ships, usually walking sticks are also available to help you with your balance.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Waterproof shoes such as Tevas for wet landings on beaches. Shoes with toe protection are best because you also will use these on some of the rocky trails.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Sandals or other casual shoes for evening on the boat or in town, although some passengers never put shoes on when they are on a the boat. The shoes you wear on the island visitor sites may not be worn on the boat because of cross contamination, so do plan on bringing an extra pair.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Shorts for hiking and most wet landings. This is a subjective decision as some people like to avoid the sun completely by covering their legs as well. If you choose not to bring shorts, be sure that at least some of your long pants can roll up for when you do have a wet landing.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">At least one pair of light-weight pants. Sometimes the hikes will take you to areas that are buggy and you may want to cover your legs. Or, you may simply want to wear long pants for sun protection. If you are a person who prefers long sleeves and long pants, pack a few of each. You can rinse them out, but the boats don't tend to have laundry service. Another thing - if you are going to Galapagos in the warm winter months (late December - early April) pack more than you will in the cooler summer months because your clothes will get wet because of the heat and humidity.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Long sleeved and short sleeved lightweight shirts. Wicking shirts are the best. Many people pack only short sleeved shirts or tank tops and find that the sun on their arms is too much. It’s a good idea to prepare for this possibility.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Bathing suits – some prefer two, one for swimming and one for under a wet suit.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">A wide-brimmed hat</span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">; consider one with U.V. protection.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Wind breaker or light jacket for evenings and in case of rain.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Casual clothing for evenings, such as shorts and shirts, sundresses or anything comfortable. Also a wrap or sweater for the cooler evenings when you want to go outside to look at the stars!</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Socks for your hiking shoes and sneakers and other personal items.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b> <i>Other items on your packing list</i></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Sunscreen – pack plenty and never go anywhere without it</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Sunglasses</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Insect repellant</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Lightweight daypack or backpack. You will carry this each day of touring and hiking.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Water bottle to put in your pack or one on a belt to wear around your waste for the times you aren't carrying your pack</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Binoculars</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Flashlight</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"> <b> <i>Snorkel and Scuba Gear</i></b></span><br />
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</style> <![endif]--><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bring your own wet suit if you have it because then you will be assured a correct fit. If you don’t have your own, the cruise ships always provide for their guests and, for those staying at hotels, excellent products are available for rent in the towns on Isabela, San Cristobal and Santa Cruz. I suggest that you bring your own goggles too, including prescription ones if you have them. Flippers will be provided and because they are a little more difficult to pack, many guests who bring their own wetsuits opt to borrow these.</span><br />
<br />
<i><b>Camera Equipment</b></i><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Taking beautiful and memorable photographs will be one of the highlights of your trip to the Galapagos Islands. Make sure you bring everything you personally need to memorialize your adventure.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Camera</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Extra memory cards</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Extra batteries</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Extra lenses. Zoom lenses are a wonderful asset</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Video camera or capability</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Underwater camera equipment, disposable or other</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Your iPad or tablet outfitted to download the great photos you take every day, though you will not have internet service</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><i>Medicine and Miscellaneous</i></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Sea sickness patches, ginger pills, medicine, wrist bands just in case</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Antibiotics</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Prescription glasses, both regular and sunglasses</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">All personal items that will make your trip more comfortable</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<h3>
Currency</h3>
</div>
<span style="background-color: white;">
In Ecuador the local currency is the USA (dollars). In mainland Ecuador credit cards are widely accepted but in Galapagos Islands not all boats accept credit cards, so bring cash for the bar onboard and you may want to carry some change for small items such as pay phones, water or other personal expenses you may require. Also, contact your bank to inform them of your travel plans and for specific fees that may be associated while here. </span><br />
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<b>Electricity</b></h3>
<span style="background-color: white;">In Ecuador we use 110 V electrical current; the same is used onboard the cruise ships.</span><br />
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Telephone and Internet Service</h3>
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<span style="background-color: white;">While on the Ecuadorian continent, there is full phone and cellular service, though you must check to see whether you can use your particular provider. Generally, it is most economical to use calling cards. Also, there are internet wi/fi cafes available. Once on the Galapagos Islands, internet service and even telephone is generally not available except in the ports of Puerto Villamel, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and Santa Cruz, where you may have access from your cell phone with a calling card or from an internet cafe. One of the delights of being in Galapagos is removing yourself from the sound of the telephone and pull of the internet. If you do need service, make arrangements at home with your carrier. Many of the hotels, including the Galapagos Eco-Lodge, offer wifi service. To learn more about <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2014/04/galapagos-and-21st-century-technology.html#more" target="_blank">communications in Galapagos</a> read my comprehensive post.</span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;">Fees and Taxes</b></h3>
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The National Park Service charges $100 to each traveler arriving to the Galapagos Islands. The money goes towards conservation services. This fee must be paid in cash at the airport of arrival. Upon departing for the U.S., a departure tax of $25.00 from Quayaquil and $48.40 from Quito will be charged.</div>
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<b style="background-color: white;">Tips for Guides and Crews</b></h3>
<span style="background-color: white;">You might want to ask your travel agent or tour company about the tipping policy before leaving for Galapagos. On most cruise ships, cash tips are given separately to the crew and to the guide. Policies differ depending on the cruise line and, of course, the level of service and your personal preference. A good rule of thumb is to figure on $15/day for the guide ($100 for a week long cruise) and another equal amount that the crew members will divide among themselves. Often additional tips are given to individual crew members for exceptional service. </span><br />
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Paying for Extras on Board Ship</h3>
<span style="background-color: white;">Again, policies are different on different boats for how to pay for miscellaneous charges you may have incurred, such as drinks. Some require cash payments. Check with your cruise line or travel agent.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white;">Miscellaneous</b></h3>
<span style="background-color: white;">It is suggested to have copies of your passport, airline tickets (if not electronic tickets) and of your Travel Protection Plan. Do not carry expensive jewelry or valuables; you won’t need them. Bring extra money for souvenirs or some other things you may wish to buy. Binoculars are extremely useful to spot birds and wildlife. You may need a head-lamp or an small flashlight.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Most Important</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Have fun, enjoy your time in our Paradise. You are going to have a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Take advantage of every moment and bring back beautiful memories.<b> </b> </span><br />
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