“Lost?” a gruff voice echoed. I spun around to see a weathered sailor, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Looking for Isla Enderby? It’s right there, lad, just a stone’s throw from Floreana.” He gestured towards a small, unassuming islet, barely visible against the vast expanse of the Pacific. Isla Enderby. It was smaller than I imagined, a mere speck of land amidst the grandeur of the Galapagos. But its size belied its importance. This tiny island, part of the Galapagos National Park and archipelago, held a unique place in the ecosystem. Isla Enderby, a mere 0.19 square kilometers, sits about 79 kilometers from the heart of the archipelago. Its closest major neighbor is Floreana Island, also known as Santa Maria. Isla Enderby is an important part of the Galápagos Islands. It is one of the smaller islands, with a coastline stretching just 1.68 kilometers. And Isla Enderby has a secret. It shares, with another small island, the last remaining members of a species teetering on the brink of extinction: the Floreana mockingbird. These charismatic birds, once found on the main island of Floreana, were driven to these tiny refuges by introduced predators and habitat destruction. Imagine the tenacity of these birds, clinging to existence on these isolated outposts. The Floreana mockingbird is a symbol of the fragility of island ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts. Isla Enderby isn’t a typical tourist destination. You won’t find visitor centers or marked trails here. Its beauty lies in its raw, untamed nature, its quiet resilience, its role as a sanctuary for a species fighting for survival. As we continue our tour, remember Isla Enderby. Remember the Floreana mockingbird, and remember the vital role these small islands play in the larger story of the Galapagos.
Playa Ochoa
“Imagine a place where sea lions bask in the sun.” This is Playa Ochoa, a stunning beach on San Cristobal