Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Continuing along the trail, you'll pass a decrepit fish-processing
plant. Farther on is a lava tube that heads below ground and back to-
ward the ocean. With a flashlight or headlamp and a good rope it is
possible to scramble down the entry and into the tube. The passage
eventually enters the water and walking becomes impossible. If
you've brought your swimsuit, however....
Most tours spend time checking out thewildlife near shore on a
panga
(boat) ride. Expect to find sea-lion colonies, lava gulls, and pelicans.
At
PuntaCormorant
there is an olive-green beachwith a short trail
that leads across a narrow section of the island. Along this trail is a
small, brackish lagoon where bright pink flamingos and other lagoon
feeders dwell. Sometimes there are dozens of flamingos here, but
even if the flock is away there is still a good chance of witnessing a
lone individual or two. Flamingos are very shy and nervous animals,
so this is a good place to use your zoom lens.
At the end of the trail is a white-sand beach divided by black lava
rocks. Here you'll find colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs dancing about
and stingrays swimming in the shallows. It's a great place to swim,
but watch your step near shore. Shuffle and slide your feet through
the sand to avoid stepping on a stingray.
A
panga
ride from Punta Cormorant offers a special treat in the form
of the
Devil's Crown
. This volcanic plug that pokes out of the water
just offshore is a great place to see nesting and resting shorebirds. It
is also one of the Galápagos' best snorkeling areas. The crater offers a
small coral formation and numerous species of bright tropical fish, in-
cluding the blue parrotfish, various triggerfish, and the pufferfish.
For an extra-special rush, follow your guide's lead and look for
sharks. You may be fortunate enough to spot the awesome hammer-
head and white-tipped reef shark in one swim.
Floreana Island has few modern facilities and is accessible as part of
most tours, particularly the shorter ones. There are a few places to
stay near Black Beach on the western side of the island, including the
Wittmer's guest house.
Santiago Island
Santiago, at 225 square miles, is the fourth-largest island and is usu-
ally visited only on eight-day tours. It is a favorite for many travelers
due to the variety of wildlife found here.
James Bay
, on the western
side, offers access to the island's most popular sight. From a landing
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