Isla Floreana

Description

The pirate caves on upper Floreana, near the Peace Haven, were once a refuge for buccaneers. These hideouts, formed by labyrinths of volcanic rock, were later used as shelter for settlers such as Dr. Friedrich Ritter and his companion Dora Strauch (1932), and the The Wittmer family (Heinz, Margret, and their children).

The Wittmer family settled on the island in 1932, initially using similar caves before building their permant home. Their history was marked by challenges and mysteries such as the disappearance of Baroness Eloise Wehrborn.

 

Your guide can give you more information about the trails and tribulations of the self-sufficient lifestyle that the Doctor and his companion attempted and the fate of the Baroness Eloise Wehrborn.

You have two options to choose from in Floreana:
Option 1 – Highlands & Pirate’s Caves: After cruising on the Tesoro Galapagos from Puerto Ayora to Puerto Velazco Ibarra you will board a Chiva (open air bus) to access the highlands of the island. In the highlands you will hike to see Giant Tortoises and then visit historic Pirate’s Caves and a natural spring that was utilized by these ancient mariners. After you return to Puerto Velazco Ibarra you will board the Tesoro Galapagos for a 20-minute cruise to Punta Cormorant. After lunch onboard you will have time to hike to see Pink Flamingos and snorkel with Hammerhead Sharks (hopefully). In the afternoon you will snorkel at Enderby where you can also cast a line if you feel like angling a bit. The tour ends back a Puerto Ayora between 4-5pm.

Option 2 – Las Cuevas: Cruise from Puerto Ayora to Las Cuevas where you can take a walk on the beach and then climb to a mirador for a bird’s-eye view of the island. After your time at the beach, you will cruise to Punta Cormorant and enjoy lunch on board the Tesoro Galapagos. After lunch onboard you will have time to hike to see Pink Flamingos and snorkel with Hammerhead Sharks (hopefully). In the afternoon you will snorkel at Enderby where you can also cast a line if you feel like angling a bit. The tour ends back a Puerto Ayora between 4-5pm.

Tour Summary

Floreana Tour At A Glance

Departure: Puerto Ayora 7am

Duration: 9 – 10 hours

Snorkeling/Free Diving Marine Life:

• Las Cuevas: wide variey of tropical fish, Sea Lions Sea Turtles and a Beautiful Secluded beach.
• Enderby: Sea turtles, sting rays, large schools of Tropical Fish.
• Punta Cormorant: Hammerhead Sharks, Sea Lions, many different species of Fish.

Land Visit Highlights:

• Punta cormorant: Walking On The Beach, Pelicans, Penguins, Blue Footed Boobies, Pink Flamingos, Beautiful Scenery

Game Fishing Species:

Enderby and Hancock

• Wahoo
• Yellowfin Tuna
• Grouper
• Big Jacks
• Pacific Bonito

Included:

• Fishing gear
• Snacks and lunch
• Sodas, beers and hot drinks
• Snorkeling gear and towels
• Naturalist & Marine Reserve Guide

Not Included:

• Wetsuits
• Gratuities