Day 4 – Gardner Bay Walk and Snorkel
First thing in the morning I had an early breakfast out on the deck and a small finch landed on the arm of my chair. This set a precedent for the rest of the day.
After breakfast, we took a zodiac to Gardner Bay where we had a wet landing. This is where you get off the zodiac straight into the water. There were sea lions all around the beach, and we saw some pander and show off to the cameras. We saw baby sea lions feeding, and there was even one that went for a little dip in the sea.
Further along the beach, we saw a marine iguana along with a couple of mockingbirds. The mockingbirds were quite funny as it seemed they got jealous when people took photos of the sea lions instead.
We then went on to snorkel. I saw a huge variety of fish and even a stingray. Others in the water said they saw a turtle but unfortunately I missed it. This was a very easy snorkel as it was straight in from the beach.
After all this activity we went back onboard the ship for lunch, and loaded up on carbs to prepare for the hike at the next island in the afternoon.
Day 4 – Rocky Walk – Pta Suarez
When you think a day just can’t get any better in Galapagos don’t be surprised when it does!
After having a barbeque lunch out on the back deck, we went on a long rocky walk of Pta Suarez.
We took a zodiac to the island, and from the second we stepped off our experience was filled with adventure. It felt like we were in a different world, or maybe Jurassic Park!
We could see sea lions both in and out of the water, as well as a host of crabs and pelicans. Not only this, but this was also the first time we saw marine iguanas - they were everywhere on this island! We had to be careful not to stand on them though, because they blend in with the rock. Another key thing we learnt about these iguanas is that they turn red and green around December - just in time for Christmas!
We also saw lava lizards which are a lot smaller than the marine iguanas, more finches, Galapagos hawks, doves, and red tropicbirds. I did see the famed Galapagos, blue-footed boobie, but unfortunately, it was seated so I didn’t get to see its feet. However, we did see the Nazca Boobies. It was interesting because it was mating season for them; they were all over the island doing the special dance they do when looking for a mate.
Along with this, I saw many Galapagos Albatross. The colours of these birds are so bright and vibrant. Like many of the resident animals, the colours they show just didn’t seem real, which is why I say it feels like you’re being taken on an adventure to another world.
As well as all these animals, the scenery itself is staggering. At one point I felt like we were on the set of Game of Thrones, walking along the cliff edge. There’s a well-known place called the Blowhole, which is where the waves hit the rocks and spurt spray and water up into the air. It looks as if the sea is spraying upwards as if it was coming from a whale, hence the name.
As someone who loves photography, this day was amazing for me. I managed to get many photographs of things that I didn’t even think could be real. I’ll never forget all the colours, shapes, animals, and the setting.
| A Galapagos diary: day three | A Galapagos diary: day five |
