The islands are very protected, our luggage was searched on every transfer
There are 20 islands in the archipelago, only 4 of them are inhabited
The islands have a population of 32,000 and hosted 267,000 tourists in 2023
OUR ITINERARY
1: San Cristobal: 2 nights
2: Floreana, 1 night
3: Isabella: 2 nights
4: Santa Cruz: 1 night
SAN CRISTOBALISLAND
San Cristóbal has an area of 215 square miles and and a population of approximately 6000. San Cristóbal is the second most populated island after Santa Cruz.
We took a plane from QuitoWelcome to the islands, I should put a hat on that bald spot!Hotel Katarma, interesting architecture, good breakfast and very friendly employeesView from our roomWe went to the interpretive center that showed how the islands were formed and also the local history including Darwin.
The islands are very dry so we saw a lot of cacti.We stopped at Playa Mann, Sea Lions were everywhereListen to me!!!!We went for an afternoon swim, tried snorkeling but it was not the best place for that.Sea Lions like to take naps on the park benchesYellow crowned night heronRaul said to order either tuna or octopus on the islands since they were fresh. The tuna melted in my mouth. Rice was served with most lunches and dinners.
DAY 2:KICKER ROCK SNORKEL TRIP
On the boat to Kicker Rock, this is the first of many, many boat rides. Raul (our guide) and yours truly
Kicker Rock, this is off the west coast of IsabellaThe famous Blue Footed BoobiesThere was an additional guide for the snorkel trip. She had a GoPro and was able to take some nice pictures and video’s that she shared with the group.
Departing Kicker Rock after a great morning of snorkelingNext stop: La Loberia for more snorkeling, swimming and beach walkingThe snorkeling was really good here, lots of variety and quantity of fishThe crabs turn bright red when they are adultsSo, so tiredLeann and I went back to the interpretive center to explore more of the trails.Playa Tijeretas
NEXT STOP: FLOREANA ISLAND
The island has an area of 67 square miles and a population of about 100.
We had a 3 hour speedboat ride to Floreana, 3 people ended up leaning over the rail if you know what I mean. Leann sat in the back of the boat where she could see the horizon and get fresh air. She was not one of the 3.Welcoming party, Marine Iguana
World’s most unusual post office: no stamps required, no employees, no walls or ceilings. It’s just an old wooden barrel and an honor system that has worked since the 1890s. The tradition was started by passing sailors who wanted to communicate home. A sailor would leave a letter and also review what was already in the barrel. He would take a letter if it was headed the same place he was. It was then his responsibility to deliver the letter when he arrived at the destination. It was a slow but simple system that worked. It is still in use today (new barrel) but mainly used by tourists.
I grabbed this postcard and will be taking it to Texas for delivery. I will let you know what happens.Lava Lodge was our favorite hotel, rustic, but you could hear the waves crashing as you fell to sleep. The best sleep I had for the entire trip.La Loberia was walking distance from the lodge and we went snorkeling. It was pretty good once you got away from the breakers. It can be a challenge starting from the beach when the water is rough.Yellow Warbler taking a bath.Our first Giant Tortoise. They can live a year without food or water. Early sailors recognized them as a great food source for long voyages and decimated the islands population.
Giant Tortoise Facts
They can weigh up to 500 pounds, the record is 919 pounds
Average life span is 100 years, oldest know tortoise died in 2006 at the age of 176
They are endangered and protected
They sleep 16 hours/day
They are creatures of habit and will eat, nap, and travel at the same speed along the same route
They are vegetarians
How do Tortoise fight? very slowly
After viewing the tortoise, we then went for a hike through interesting lava formations.
Black Sand Beach, we went here for an afternoon swim and snorkel.
