Española (or Hood) Island is the southernmost island of the archipelago, and is one of the most popular due to the breathtaking variation and number of fauna that inhabit the island. In the morning we visit Punta Suarez with the largest variety of marine iguanas in the Galapagos, Masked Boobies and Blue-Footed Boobies nesting along the cliff’s edge, as well as the famous Waved Albatross.
During the mating season male Marine Iguanas take on bright red and green colours and are referred to as “Christmas Iguanas”.
Mama and baby sea lion cuddle.
The ever-curious Mockingbird is ever-present.
A Galapagos Hawk rests on one foot.
Nazca Boobies on a date.
And voila!, the next generation is on its way.
An Oyster Catcher guards her two brown-speckled eggs.
Many thanks to our friendly shipmate, Tim Mulcair, the only one with an underwater camera on our snorkeling trips, who kindly shared his great photos with us.
A baby Albatross rests on his haunches.
When foraging for food for it’s chicks the Waved Albatross finds points in the ocean where prey will be more surfaced. This can be 10 to 100 km away from the place where the chicks are nesting.
Our guide points out this unusual Green-Footed Booby.
A pretty Tropic Bird flies over the rocks.
A mother Albatross regurgitates her food to feed her baby.
In the afternoon we visit Gardner Bay, a magnificent long, white sandy beach, where colonies of sea lions laze in the sun, sea turtles swim offshore, and inquisitive mockingbirds boldly investigate new arrivals.
A sea lion, oblivious of our photo shoot, moseys along directly in front of our camera.
It’s Tim’s turn.
Our last night on The Grace and in the incredible Galapagos Islands. What a world!
He’s not really driving the yacht but a guy likes to dream.
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