Nathan's Insights

Friday 20 December 2024
Highlights: The red sand of Rábida Island, pink flamingos, sea lion playing with us when snorkelling

Our last full day abroad the Reina Silvia Voyager had arrived. After a rough sailing night, we enjoyed breakfast today wondering what new creature or landscape we would experience today.

Even from the zodaic, we could see that Rábida Island was going to be different. The red sands of the beach were like a beacon calling us to explore. This was a wet landing so I got to enjoy the water and red sand between my toes.

Onshore we quickly went to the lagoon and found pink flamingos (aka American Flamingos). These incredibly beautiful creatures just went about their day just metres from us. Eating, grooming and sleeping. A wonderful sight.

We then went for a short hike, roughly 1 km up and around a hill. Omar pointed out different plants and cactuses and the reason the landscape looked like it did.

Back down at the beach, we got to see sea lions and sea iguanas moving about on the deep red sand. This sight was one I had in my mind since researching Galapagos for this trip, it was even better in real life.

Back on board the Reina Silvia Voyager half the group decided to skip kayaking. I was never going, kayaking is not my thing, but Erin opted out as well. I did take the time to use the top deck spa and watch the sea and landscape as a nice bonus.

After lunch, the catamaran moved to Santiago Island and the Chinese Hat inlet. This was to be the location of our last snorkelling adventure. I decided to ignore the sunburn on the back of my legs, there was nothing I could do anyway, so I joined this last sea-based activity.

During the snorkelling, we got to see a sea lion playing with us. He was diving under and around us having a great time. Later I got to see the sea lion playing around a shark, not something I thought I’d ever see.

I stayed out in the water as long as possible. I tried to just enjoy the wondrous sea life around us one last time.

All good things must come to an end, and that evening before dinner we watched an awesome video of this trip put together by Omar and then said goodbye to the crew. The crew did a wonderful job, helping us all, being attentive to our needs and most importantly ensuring I didn’t fall into the water when getting onto and off the zodiac multiple times each day.

Tomorrow morning we leave the Reina Silvia Voyager and return to Santa Cruz Island early in the morning to visit Charles Darwin Research Station which we missed on our arrival day.