We had breakfast at our hotel which included granola, fruit and yogurt, eggs, tostada, coffee and fresh papaya juice. We walked near the dock on Puerto Ayora and saw some pelicans and Galapagos Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) hanging out near the fish market. One sea lion actually got a fish and ran away. They are just like dogs!
We rented snorkeling equipment ($3) and took a small boat across the bay. We walked to Las Grietas (30-45 minute hike) through some interest landscapes (lava rocks, cacti, etc.) and saw some native species along the way (lava lizards, etc.). Las Grietas fjords are a part of a volcanic fracture and sea water and rainwater mix there. It is known for being a unique place to swim. We spent from time there and hiked back to the boat. We took the boat back to the dock and walked to Tortuga Bay (Playa Brava and Playa Mansa). Here we found pristine, beautiful beaches. We saw different kinds of fish, crabs, and marine iguanas. After swimming a few times, we hiked back to one of the main roads. Alexis and I got empanadas to hold us over until dinner (I got an empanada with octopus, shrimp, fish and mozzarella). We took a taxi back to the hotel and showered. I started to notice that all the outdoor time was leading to a sunburn... :s
We had dinner at the fish market later that night. Alexis and I got the tuna, and Jared got a whole fish (I can't remember what it was called). We also enjoyed a local Pilsner and the fresh air while eating (outdoor seating). We went to the artisan market afterwards where they had some local coffee and some cool earnings made from products from the Galapagos (shells, cactus, pearls, etc.). We finished the night off with some gelato (I got mango) and walked home. Quite a day!
We rented snorkeling equipment ($3) and took a small boat across the bay. We walked to Las Grietas (30-45 minute hike) through some interest landscapes (lava rocks, cacti, etc.) and saw some native species along the way (lava lizards, etc.). Las Grietas fjords are a part of a volcanic fracture and sea water and rainwater mix there. It is known for being a unique place to swim. We spent from time there and hiked back to the boat. We took the boat back to the dock and walked to Tortuga Bay (Playa Brava and Playa Mansa). Here we found pristine, beautiful beaches. We saw different kinds of fish, crabs, and marine iguanas. After swimming a few times, we hiked back to one of the main roads. Alexis and I got empanadas to hold us over until dinner (I got an empanada with octopus, shrimp, fish and mozzarella). We took a taxi back to the hotel and showered. I started to notice that all the outdoor time was leading to a sunburn... :s
We had dinner at the fish market later that night. Alexis and I got the tuna, and Jared got a whole fish (I can't remember what it was called). We also enjoyed a local Pilsner and the fresh air while eating (outdoor seating). We went to the artisan market afterwards where they had some local coffee and some cool earnings made from products from the Galapagos (shells, cactus, pearls, etc.). We finished the night off with some gelato (I got mango) and walked home. Quite a day!