Floreana

Itinerary
Floreana is the smallest inhabited island in the archipelago and has a population of around 120 people. However, it is one of the best known due to its sinister history. The first inhabitant of this island was Patrick Watkins, who was abandoned on the island in 1807. He lived here for about two years growing fruit and vegetables that he traded with the whaling ships that passed through the area. He dedicated himself to reading the correspondence left by the crew of the English ships in the so-called “post office” bay for this very reason. The correspondence left in this bay was returned to its destination by other ships that passed through the island. It is rumored that Patrick spent his stay in the islands drunk and that one day he was able to steal a ship with 5 slaves who took him to the mainland. It is not known what happened to the slaves during the journey, but only he arrived in Guayaquil. Numerous efforts were made by different families to settle in Floreana but only the Wittmers succeeded, although their history was also surrounded by disappearances and murders, especially in the case of the Baroness. The snorkeling on this island is one of the best in the archipelago where you can see white tip sharks, rays of all kinds, reef fish, sea turtles, penguins, and sometimes hammerhead sharks.
Hours: departure is at 7:30 – 8:00 am and return is at 5:00 pm (approximately)

Travel time: 1.5 hours to 2 hours (depending on sea conditions. During August and October these can be strong) by speedboat. This tour is not recommended for passengers with back and neck problems.
The tour: Includes a stay on the island (2 to 3 hours) during which you can visit the pirates’ caves, a refuge for the first inhabitants of these islands in search of water and food on their long sea voyages. The caves are located in the upper part of the island, so you will have a wonderful view of the entire island and its bay from this place. On the way to this viewpoint you will be able to observe the giant Galapagos tortoises, many of them endemic to Floreana Island. Lunch is at a local restaurant in Puerto Velasco Ibarra. In the afternoon, the tour will take you snorkeling on a black sand beach where you can see sea lions, sea turtles, and sometimes penguins.
Includes: lunch, bilingual guide, water, snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel and fins)

• Transfer in and out of your hotel.
• Snacks and drinking water on board.
• Snorkeling equipment
• Towel

NOT INCLUDED:

• Neoprene suit
• Carbonated and alcoholic beverages.