Floreana Island Travel Guide
Isle of history and mystery
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Floreana Island, also known as Isla Santa Maria, and Charles Island, is located in the far southern part of the archipelago and is one of the oldest of the Galapagos. Its highest point is the peak of a now extinct volcano, at approximately 800 metres, and this isle carries with it a fascinating history of human settlement. Used by whalers and pirates in the 1600s as a source of water and tortoise meat, it was unsuccessfully colonised as a penal colony in the 1800s, and a century later was the source of global scandal and mystery during ‘the Galapagos Affair’, where several deaths and disappearances of several of the island’s then tiny population remain unsolved today.
From a geological and biological perspective, as one of the oldest islands in the region, Floreana illustrates the processes of plant succession vividly to its visitors.
Since the birth of this volcanic island, the weather and seas have eroded the bare rocks and as they have been broken down, sediment has formed a soil allowing the first colonising plants to take root. As these plants develop, they also deposit organic matter which further adds to the ground soil, where larger plants have been able to take hold and plant succession has steadily developed to the island’s current vegetative covering today. As such, it is fascinating to compare this island with some of the younger in the region, and see what how the lands will develop and change in the centuries that follow.
This island has been one of the longest settled by humans, and was a regular stopping point for ships crossing the oceans. At Post Office Bay ancient mariners would leave mail to be collected by ships travelling the other way – a tradition that still remains today. Whilst early settlers saw an end to the island’s tortoises population, bird and marine life is plentiful, and a visit to this fascinating isle is highly recommended.
Attractions in Floreana Island
The small town of Puerto Velasco Ibarra, on the northwest side of the island, has limited accommodation and places to eat. It is also worth visiting the highlands, Punta Cormorant, Post Office Bay and the Devil’s Crown.
The nearby island of Champion also offers excellent snorkelling and while landings are not allowed, the rare Charles mockingbird can sometimes be spotted here.
Activities in Floreana Island
Activities are currently limited to walking, snorkelling and scuba diving in Floreana.
Relaxing
After a tough morning of marvelling at Nature, and a decent lunch, curl up on deck for a small siesta and contemplate the enchanted isles.
Getting Around
Your Galapagos vessel will bring you to the island, and a smaller motor boat will carry you to shore.
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