Floreana, surprisingly, has a population of about 70 permanent residents. There isn't much to do here if you chose to stay, but you can take a good few hikes (guided by a naturalist) and enjoy the peace of the island. There is only one passenger boat every two weeks from Puerto Ayora, but other transportation can be arranged.
If you're on a cruise, though, you'll bypass the little community and end up at the lagoon where flamingos live. These pink residents spend about 7 hours a day or more eating, and so take some binoculars to watch the ballet of necks as they gracefully move back and fourth, scouring the floor of the lagoon for little shrimp. Take your binoculars to enjoy the show up close.
Features
LandingsWet, Dry, by panga
Wildlife•Morning Glory •Cutleaf Daisy •Lantan Peduncularis •Sesuvium Portulacastrum •Pao Santo •Scalesia Avillosa •Nolana Galapagensis •Poligalasancti-Georgii Plantlife•Morning Glory •Cutleaf Daisy •Lantan Peduncularis •Sesuvium Portulacastrum •Pao Santo •Scalesia Avillosa •Nolana Galapagensis •Poligalasancti-Georgii PUNTA CORMORANTLanding: Wet You land on a beach with olive-colored sand due to volcanic crystals of magnesium and iron. The trail leads to a brackish lagoon where there are flamingos (the pinkest in the world) surrounded by palo santo trees. Pass through a rich variety of plant life to reach a soft coral sand beach where sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand dunes. Spotted eagle rays swim along the shallow water, so watch where you step!  DEVIL'S CROWN
Landing: By panga for snorkeling. A shallow sunken crater makes for one of the best snorkeling sites in Galapagos, This almost completely submerged volcano offers snorkelers the chance to play in the water with sea lions. See a wide variety of colorful fish in the clear blue water. One must be a good swimmer as currents can be very strong. POST OFFICE BAY
Landing: Wet Not the most scenic of the visitor sites, but probably one of the most famous sites in Galapagos. Here is where a post barrel was placed and put into use in the late 18th century by English whaling vessels. You are invited to leave a post card and to pick up any mail from your home area. Take a short visit to the remains of a Norwegian commercial fish drying and canning operation and a lava tube that extends to the sea. BLACK BEACHLanding: Dry An unofficial visitor site only visited under special arrangement. Visit the Wittmer pension and small settlement of Puerto Velasco lbarra. It's famous resident, Margaret Whitmer, arrived to Floreana in the 1930's and still lives here today with her daughter. Here you can have your post cards stamped with one of four seals, sample the homemade wine. Items for sale include Floreana t-shirts and signed copies of her book, Floreana.
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