During my 9-day island-hopping adventure, we stopped for a half-day Floreana Galapagos tour. Floreana is the southernmost of the islands in the archipelago and full of mystery. Even though this quiet little island has only about 150 residents, its history is filled with some drama about death and murders. However, as I learned those stories are long gone and it’s a peaceful place to explore and catch a fresh glimpse of unique wildlife and post office. I enjoyed my time there snorkeling on a black sand beach, eating lunch at a local restaurant and checking out their unique post office or barrel.
Floreana is an ancient Galapagos shield volcano and one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos. It’s known for Post Office Bay and the mystery behind the Baroness & deaths in the early 20th century. The drama of the Baroness and her lovers is played out in the movie made in 2013: “The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden.” No worries, the bad juju from those years is long gone. It now is a simple and peaceful island to escape from the crowds and experience amazing wildlife.
Half-Day Floreana Galapagos Tour
We made a stopover here for a half-day tour coming from San Cristobal on our way to Isabela Island. It took us 3 hours on a charter speed boat to arrive in the southernmost Galapagos Island. Arriving in Puerto Velasco Ibarra, it felt like we were the only ones visiting this quiet island.
Check out my Floreana Galapagos YouTube video
Snorkeling at Playa Negra Beach
Firstly, we walked to Playa Negra, a black sand beach for snorkeling. Here, I put on my gear and walked backwards with my fins into the water for adventure. The beach belongs to the Witmers, descendants of some of the earliest settlers on the Galapagos. The water was murky, but we still saw some incredible marine life, such as, giant sea turtles, a large school of yellowtail surgeonfish and various other colorful fish. Swimming close to the lava rocks revealed the most varied marine life. As usual, the Galapagos never disappoints.
Lunch at Lelia’s Restaurant
Next, we walked nearby to our reservation for lunch at Lelia’s Restaurant. Firstly, we cleaned our sandy feet and sandals with an outdoor faucet and bucket nearby. Then, we settled into our long table and savored our al fresco meal. This local favorite offers Ecuadorian food and distinguishes itself by offering food “made with love.” I felt the love with the Locro de papa, a popular potato soup made with onions, garlic, cumin and cheese. Then, I enjoyed the chicken and rice dish with fried plantain.
Post Office Bay – Floreana Galapagos Tour
Near the area we docked is Post Office Bay. Here, their stampless Post Office is truly unique. The “post office” or barrel upholds an interesting tradition on the island. In the 18th century whalers created a barrel on Floreana Island and left their mail for sailors on passing ships to deliver. Today, you must earn your delivery. Firstly, you look over the envelopes bundled in the barrel for an envelope going to your hometown. If you find one, then you hand deliver their mail along with your own.
Many in our group got postcards and sorted through the mail. A lady from Switzerland took a nearby resident’s mail with her to hand deliver once she returned home. Because we only had an hour to walk around, I chose to explore instead of mail a postcard.
Walking along Iguana Trail and Post Office Bay
I had just an hour free time to walk the island. The location where we docked was an eerie introduction. There’s a lighthouse with a small trail along the lava rocks called Iguana Trail. I saw a group of marine iguanas and a sea lion lying at the lighthouse lazily greeting us. The only people we first saw were a couple officials to check our shoes and bags. Nearby is the Post Office Bay and a small local church. Just a 10-minute walk from there is the black sand beach from which we snorkeled and then walked to Lelias Restaurant for lunch. Overall, this was a great way to spend my time for a half day tour.
Bon Voyage, Floreana…
Next, we all embarked back on our charter boat and headed for Isabella. It was just a 1.5-hour speed boat ride to Isabela for the next adventure!