Galapagos Islands June 16 2016
June 17, 2016 at 2:45 AM
Santa Fe Island and Turtle Cove Mangroves - Blog Entry June 16th, 2016
Shortly after 6:30 a.m. our zodiacs arrived on the beach of Santa Fe for our first early morning photo shoot. The breeze was cool and another welcoming committee of Sea Lions were waiting along the shore line. The soft morning light made for great photography and there plenty of small birds out to greet the morning light, and our group of photographers.
This mornings hike and photo shoot took us up along the higher rocks where we were able to photograph a few land iguanas, finches and a few juvenile Galapagos Hawks keeping a close eye on the island morning activities. Later in the morning we enjoyed some deep water snorkeling and photography along the shore line. This afternoon and for sunset we sailed around the island and took the zodiacs into the lush mangroves. Sea turtles, rays, pelicans, and herons offered up many photo opportunities. Overnight we will sail to the island of Santiago. Enjoy the photos from todays trek.
Here’s a map showing our first overnight sailing.
Sea lion welcoming us to the island of Santa Fe.
Photographing some of the shore birds as we headed into the island.
Not everyone was awake to greet us!
Time to get cleaned up!
The Galapagos is a nature reserve and everything is a it lives and dies.
Some curious young pups playing along the beach.
And more playing in the water, it was great to see them up close and them without any fear of the photographers visiting their island.
Our zodiac heading back to the ship, morning light.
The entire Galapagos Islands are a National Park and they limit the amount of ships that arrive at any one island. We were in around 6:30 in the morning, they did not come land until 9:00 a.m. so we had the island to ourselves.
This yellow finch was hopping along the beach, searching for small bugs.
Mocking bird looking for breakfast.
Brian found you had to watch your step as you walk along the trails.
This land iguana was warming up with the first rays of sunlight.
Andrew taking a few shots of this land iguana.
Lava lizard, catching the morning sun.
Neal, Konrad, Charlene, Andrew, Laura, Dave and Bryan walking along the shore trail.
An HDR B&W of the shoreline, our ship in the background.
An interesting row of cactus.
Another land iguana basking in the morning sun.
A Yellow Warbler with a very curious look.
He was happy to pose for another shot.
Another curious onlooker ....
The trail took us inland and towards the hawks.
Galapagos Hawk looking for breakfast.
I’m ready for my close-up.
It was great to be able to approach these beautiful birds.
One more shot of the Galapagos Hawk.
Our naturalist guide Renny, who also loves photography!
The early morning light made for some great shots.
An HDR B&W of the other ship that was anchored off shore this morning.
Brian ready to head out for some deep water snorkeling.
Sally light-footed crab.
This guy did not like my jokes, possibly too early in the morning?
Andrew snorkeling.
Morning snacks back on board after snorkeling.
Dave checking his shots from our morning shoot.
Laura checking er um taking selfies??
A tropical bird.
Heading into the mangrove cove.
A pelican doing some evening fishing.
A green heron looking for a fish dinner.
It was high tide, so it was a little tight coming through the groves. Brian duck!
Here’s a shot from same time last year, same place, but at low tide. There is 8ft difference when the tide is out.
You have to be quick when the turtles poke their heads up.
Brian, Renny, Paul, Bob in the foreground looking for the turtles to pop up.
Beautiful reflections.
Another turtle taking a quick look around.
Another heron basking in the setting sun.
A spotted ray swims past.
A heron high in the mangroves as the sun starts to set.
As a few pelicans fly closer this guys gets his feathers ruffled.
Another heron as the sun starts to set, a beautiful evening.
A pelican fly past.
Coming in for a landing.
A pelican looking for supper.
Another pelican fly past!
Amazing big birds in flight.
Back onboard during our evening briefing.
The entire group meets each night before dinner to learn about the next days activities.
Ernesto prepares the drinks for the Captain’s welcome.
Laura and Melanie a toast to a fun week of adventure.
Bryan, Charlene and Laura, cheers.
Best wishes for a great week. Our group of 15 is spoiled by a crew of 10.
One last shot of the rest of our friendly crew.
That’s it for this evenings photos, more tomorrow. We sail overnight to the island of Santiago. Good night from the Galapagos.
Please add a comment
Great trip but my photo beside a giant tortoise, on the last day, wasn't as good as your photo from last year.
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