Isla Floreana

Have you ever heard of the Galapagos Islands? An archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, Ecuador is a volcanic paradise, home to unique species. One of these fascinating islands is Isla Floreana, a place that has a rich history and fascinating stories. Isla Floreana, which was also called Charles or Santa Maria, is a haven for unique and endangered birds and animals. Isla Floreana was the first island to be colonized by Ecuadorians in 1832 but sadly, it was abandoned due to a lack of fresh water. But long before that, in 1793, whalers established a post office on this island, which existed in the form of a wooden barrel. The legend goes that sailors, who were in a hurry, left a message or mail in the barrel, in the hope that someone else passing by would pick it up and deliver it to its intended recipient. Today, you can still find the post barrel there, full of postcards. Here, you can take a short walk from the barrel to a lava tube, where pirates once hid. The tube extends for several hundred yards and you can explore it with a flashlight. Isla Floreana is a place of contrasts. The island hosts a freshwater pond, essential for its inhabitants. But during droughts the water can become scarce, which once led to a failed colonization effort by Norwegian immigrants. Despite threats from invasive species and human disturbance, the island showcases its resilience by becoming a center of conservation efforts. Today, with limited transportation to the island, arriving with a boat from Santa Cruz, you can discover the island’s unique charm. It is home to approximately 100 people. The island is known for its two contrasting beaches: Cormorant Point and Floreana’s Flour Beach. Here, green sea turtles lay their eggs on the fine sands. In these areas, you may see flamingos wading through the brackish water, sifting through the mud for shrimp. Isla Floreana offers amazing snorkeling places in the Galapagos, such as Devil’s Crown, a collapsed volcanic cone. Here, you can explore the vibrant underwater world with corals and a myriad of fishes swimming around, including sea lions, sea turtles, and sharks. Isla Floreana is a place where history, nature, and conservation collaborate, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors.