| This
is one of the most popular islands visited due to the variety
of animals seen here. It is small and flat, with no visible
volcanic crater or vent. The two visitor sites are Punta Suarez
on the western tip and Gardner Bay on the eastern side.
Punta
Suarez: This rocky point of land sustains one of the most
impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in Galapagos. Already
after the slightly tricky wet landing you will be greeted by
sea lions basking in the sun and approached by the endemic Hood
mockingbird, and especially in the afternoon see the red-billed
tropicbirds flying over.
Walking
on the edge of the cliffs you will have a spectacular view of
the blowhole, a tunnel connected with the sea that spurts a
shower of water 15 to 30 meters high, depending on the intensity
of the surf. You can see waved albatross (March-Dec), blue-footed
and masked boobies, marine iguanas and lava lizards. The marine
iguanas on Hood Island are one of the largest in Galapagos and
are brightly coloured throughout the year. The lava lizards
are also above average size.
Gardener
Bay: Located on the eastern shore and offers the islands
most magnificent beach. You can walk between sea lions and enjoy
fabulous swimming or snorkelling in the bay. Snorkelers will
find beautiful fish and sometimes turtles and sharks. Best snorkelling
is off Tortuga Rock.
A
trail leads from Gardener Bay to Punta Suarez, on the western
tip of the island. Along the way you'll pass the nesting site
of almost the entire world population of waved albatross (estimated
at over 10,000 couples), huge birds with a 6-foot wingspan.
Best time to see them is March to December. Depending on their
nesting season, these birds, which can spend years at sea without
touching land, can be seen performing their unique, perfectly
choreographed mating ritual. |
