Floreana Island, Galapagos
Floreana, officially "Santa Maria," is located at the far south of the archipelago. The island is associated with a strange and curious history of its inhabitants. Snorkeling around this area is one of the best in the Galapagos.
Floreana Fast Facts
- The official name of the island is "Santa Maria" and its English name is "Charles," but it is most commonly known as "Floreana."
- Animals: Flamingos, sea turtles
- Area: 67 sq. mi
- Highest Point: 2,099 ft
» Cruises that visit Floreana Island
Floreana Visitor sites:
Baroness Viewing Point
Baroness Viewpoint is a fantastic place to absorb the environment of the Galapagos. Once inhabited by an indulgent baroness and her three lovers, the history of this island is intriguing. The legends about this baroness are associated with a fascinating murder mystery. There are easy trails in this area for exploring the flora and fauna of Floreana.
- Highlights: Great view, sea turtles, mysterious story about the first inhabitants of the islands
- Possible Activities: Short hike (0.6 mi/1 km)
- Type of Landing: Wet Landing
- Difficulty: Easy
*Activities will be operated according to each boat itinerary.
Champion Islet
Champion Islet, named after the whaler Andrew Champion, is a small island located just offshore Floreana Island in the southern part of the Archipelago, considered as one of the most beautiful places on Galapagos for all snorkeling and diving fans and an excellent opportunity for dolphin watching. More about Champion Islet
- Highlights: See lions, reef fish and Nasca boobies
- Possible Activities: Snoreling and dinghy ride
- Type of Landing: Moderate / Difficult
- Difficulty: Wet landing
*Activities will be operated according to each boat itinerary.
Devil's Crown
One of the best snorkeling sites in the Galapagos, this volcanic crater has been eroded by the waves leaving the northern and southern sides poking out of the water. The coral reef in the middle is perfect for attracting marine life. Snorkelers enjoy the variety of marine life and exciting currents that rush through the crown, creating an exhilarating experience. More about Devil's Crown
- Highlights: The best snorkelling site in Galapagos Islands with sharks, rays, rock formations, lots of tropical fish.
- Possible Activities: Snorkeling
- Type of Landing: No landing
- Difficulty: Moderate/difficult
*Activities will be operated according to each boat itinerary.
Cormorant Point
This site hosts a large flamingo lagoon where other birds such as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails can also be seen. The beaches on this island are distinct: The "Green Beach" is named so due to its green color, which comes from a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and the "Four Sand Beach" is composed of white coral.
- Highlights: Flamingoes, green-colored beach
- Possible Activities: Dinghy ride & hike (1.25 mi /2 km)
- Type of Landing: Wet Landing
- Difficulty: Easy
*Activities will be operated according to each boat itinerary.
Post Office Bay
In the 18th century, whalers passing through the islands placed a wooden barrel on Floreana Island for use as an unofficial mail box. The tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home. More about Post Office Bay
- Highlights: Barrel Post Office, nice sandy beach
- Possible Activities: Short hike (less than 0.6 mi/1 km) & snorkeling
- Type of Landing: Wet Landing
- Difficulty: Easy
*Activities will be operated according to each boat itinerary.
Asilo de la Paz
Asilo de la Paz is a visitor site of historical significance on Floreana Island located 5 mi (8 km) from Puerto Velasco Ibarra. Along the trail to the top of a 1476 ft (450 m) tall hill, visitors will pass through a Scalesia tree forest and see a corral where Galapagos tortoises from San Cristobal Island are kept. Visitors will discover the caves where some of the first human settlers on Floreana Island stayed and also encounter a fresh water spring.
- Highlights: Historic caves, fresh water spring, Galapagos petrels, medium tree finches, Galapagos tortoises in captivity
- Possible Activities: Hiking along a trail leading to the top of the hill
- Type of Landing: Dry Landing
- Difficulty: Difficult as the trail leads up to an altitude of 1476 ft (450m). Closed-toe shoes are highly recommended.
*Activities will be operated according to each boat itinerary.
