DAY 13 IN ECUADOR!!

Hi everyone!! This is Victoria and Elea again! It’s been such a blessing to wake up every morning in the Galapagos Islands and have the chance to research.

    We did get to have an excursion day today which was a nice break from all our days of surveying. We all headed up and went to Planet Ocean to grab our gear and drove to La Loberia. La Loberia is such a unique beach since it is lined with pitch black lava rocks and one of the largest sea lion colonies. Even while it was windy and sprinkling rain, we all wanted to do a short hike up to one of the views overlooking the water. Even while the rocks are narrow and shaky, it was amazing to see the marine iguanas that sunbathe on the rocks right by the water. Our guide was telling us how marine iguanas are one of the most adaptable reptiles since they can spend over one hour underwater along with spending a lot of time on land. By the time we finished our hike, we were exhausted but after seeing the looming black cliffs before us, it was worth it. In comparison to the dark green hills resting next to the water, it is one of the most special landscapes you will ever see. We got to look over the edge and watch little sea turtles swim in the rough waves. We all walked back to the beach and enjoyed snorkeling or reading in the sun. The seals at the beach were just as entertaining since they love to bark loudly or waddle into the rough waves. We soon left the beach to eat a local lunch before doing some shopping downtown. In the afternoon, we all enjoyed resting and writing our journals. It has been the best thing to update our families on all the amazing stories we have from the day. ¡Buenas noches for now! 

Signing off, 

Elea and Victoria