February 14/15/16 - Galapagos Islands (#s 9 to 12)

I managed to get out for a few nice paddles while on board the Lindblad National Geographic Endeavour II.

paddling at Sombrero Chino - click to enlarge

Feb 14 - Isla Eden near Santa Cruz Island

A nice afternoon SUP along the coast of Eden Islet, finishing up with a downwind run to the ship.

Isla Eden - click to enlarge

2 km

Feb 15 - Sombrero Chino islet near Santiago (James) Island

I managed to get out for both a SUP paddle and in a single kayak. It was raining a bit which was a nice change and we saw several penguins

sombrero chino - click to enlarge

1 + 2 km

Feb 16 - Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island

My last paddle of the trip was an early morning paddle along the cliffs of Genovesa near Prince Phillip's steps. I paddled a double with Ashlynn.

Genovesa Island - click to enlarge

1 km

Total paddling distance for the trip was 6 km - YTD 94 km.

December 13th - Buccaneer Cove, Galapagos (#84)

I went for a kayak near Buccaneer Cove. It was quite choppy and windy but still fun! Good views of magnificent frigatebirds and Nazca Boobies.

the route

zoomed out to show James Bay

2km, YTD 710 km

December 12th - Tagus Cove, Galapagos (#83)

While on board the National Geographic Endeavour II, I managed to get out for a session on a paddle board in Tagus Cove. It was my first time SUPing in Galapagos and I enjoyed the perspective - I saw plenty of green sea turtles as well as a couple of flightlesss cormorants and Galapagos penguins!

zoomed out to see the crater

the track in Tagus Cove

2km, YTD 708 km

November 25th - Tortuga Bay, Galapagos (#82)

I hiked out to Tortuga Bay and rented one of the sit-on-top kayaks that they have there for $10. I had a fun time there seeing plenty of reef sharks, green sea turtles, mangroves, birds and more! Before the paddle I had the opportunity to go snorkeling as well. A magical spot to visit. I went there 13 time during my 3 weeks in Galapagos!

the route in the bay

The bay in relation to Puerto Ayora, showing the trail

3 km, YTD 706 km

December 17th - Buccaneer Cove, Santiago Island (#97)

I managed to get out for another paddle at Buccaneer Cove, Santiago (James) Island. Again, exploring the shoreline by kayak was fun, though the distance covered was not great. We were able to explore the inside of a neat cave as well. I wish I could paddle around an entire island or two in the archipelago!

click to enlarge

3 km, YTD 906 km

December 16th - Tagus Cove, Galapagos (#96)

I went for a paddle along the shore of Tagus Cove, Isabela Island. Kayaking along the shores of these islands gives a great perspective on intertidal life, as well as Galapagos penguins and flightless cormorants. We followed this with a snorkel and then a hike up to the top of Tagus cone.

close up of route - click to enlarge

Zoomed out to see Tagus and beagle craters - click to enlarge

3 km, YTD 903 km

December 8-13 - Galapagos (#s 86-88)

I was able to fit in 3 paddles while I was aboard the National Geographic/Lindblad Endeavour in Galapagos this week. I was invited to accompany an AAAS group as their guest lecturer and host and had a wonderful week renewing old friendships and making som new ones.
The 3 paddles were in Gardner Bay, Espanola Island, Post office Bay, Floreana Island and Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island. The Endeavour had 8 Necky Looksha T kayaks available which were pretty decent little doubles, though the cockpits are close enough together that it is important to synchronize!
Seeing the islands by kayak is wonderful, and I recommend it to anyone who gets a chance.

An overview of the islands - click to enlarge

 This map shows the archipelago. I paddled at the two southernmost islands as well as the north-easternmost one.

Gardner Bay, Espanola - click to enlarge

 On this paddle we had great views of colourful marine iguanas

Post Office Bay, Floreana - click to enlarge

 On this paddle we managed to see Galapagos sea lions and Galapagos penguins.

Darwin Bay, Genovesa - click to enlarge

On this paddle, we managed to see many seabirds as well as Galapagos sea lions and Galapagos fur seals.

paddling by Espanola - click to enlarge

paddle by Floreana - click to enlarge

8 km, YTD 1015 km