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