Day cruising to Santa Fe:
At 0300 we are awaken by rain falling on the roof.
From the Finch Bay Hotel dock we take their motor yacht, about a 65 foot motor vessel to Santa Fe Island. This is a two hour journey and the seas were just a bit rough and a couple of our fellow travelers were feeling the ill de Mar. We arrived at a cove that was familiar to us as we had visited this location on our Nat Geo trip. We did see the Galapagos Hawk as we arrived.
The first order of business was the zodiac ride along the rocky shore. Here we were able to observe the Galapagos Hawk, Blue Footed Boobies, Mocking birds, and Frigate birds flying over head. Also there were sea lions basking in the sun along with Marine Iguana, and Sally Light Foot crabs.
After the zodiac ride we did a wet landing on the beach and took some time to observe the sea lions on the beach. Then we headed out on a trail to find the Santa Fe Iguana, we were able to locate three of them sleeping in the shade.
We returned to the boat and geared up for some snorkeling. Here we saw sea lions in the water and several fish, parrot fish, trigger fish, damsel fish, trumpet fish, and snappers. Probably a few more.
There was one sea lion that wanted to play in the water with me, so we made a few twisty surface dives. All in all, a nice little snorkel trip.
Back on the boat we had a lunch of fish, chicken, rice, veggies, salad, cheese and bread, with a cherry roll for dessert. All good.
Then we made the two hour journey back to Puerto Ayora.
Lynn and I decided to take a dip in the ocean off the beach at the hotel. We then went to the pool and watched a Heron and Lava Gulls as they joined us in the pool area. The Lava gulls tried to take some shoes and socks.
Next was briefing for the next day, followed by dinner, and getting our gear together for a hike.
The baby seals are so cute.
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