Pirates and Whalers on Floreana Island
A favoured stopping-off point for pirates and whalers for centuries, Floreana is now home to a small community of about 70 permanent residents and is also a popular waypoint on Galapagos cruises. One of the oldest islands in the archipelago, the processes of erosion have weathered the original volcanic cone, providing rich soils, full of all the nutrients needed to support a flourishing ecosystem.
Post Office Bay
There are two stand-out sites to visit on Floreana, and the first visited is usually Post Office Bay. This got its name in 1793 when British whaling captain James Colnett set up a floating barrel in the bay for whaling crews to pick up and drop off letters. From this day on crews of out-going ships would leave letters in the barrel for the crews of ships heading back to Britain to pick up and take home. This custom continues to this very day so you can even try leaving your own letter to a loved one and see if somebody helps it on its way!
- Sea Turtles
- Flamingos
- Tree finches
- Sharks
Punta Cormorant
On the other side of the island, Punta Cormorant has two beautiful beaches - one composed of fine, white sand created by the erosion of coral skeletons; and the other an unearthly green colour from the erosion of olivine volcanic rocks. They are both stunning sights and are home to different sets of wildlife - the green beach is a favoured haunt of sea-lions, while turtles prefer the white sands!
Just a short walk inland from Punta Cormorant lies a small lagoon that is home to flocks of pink flamingos, as well as many other birds, including a large variety of finches. Most trips to Floreana will include all three of these sights as well as some time snorkelling at the famous Devil's Crown, where the centre of a collapsed crater is a playground for sharks, sealions, turtles and thousands of tropical fish.
Check out our Galapagos Calendar to find out the optimal time for visiting all of the islands.
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