"Chinese Hat" and Rabida

In the morning, we had a wet landing at Sombrero Chino, translated to "Chinese Hat". Prior to our wet landing, we took a short zodiac cruise in hopes of seeing penguins. The Galapagos penguin is the only penguin to live and breed as far north as the Equator. Their face is black with a white line running through the eye, down the cheeks, and across the base of the throat. These penguins are only found along the coasts of Isabela, Bartolomé's Pinnacle Rock, Sombrero Chino, Rabida, and sometimes along the coasts of Floreana and northern Santa Cruz. These penguins are small, chubby and flightless though unlike the cormorant the penguins still have the bones and muscles needed to fly. They didn't lose these characteristics in adaptation because they use these muscles underwater, where they "fly" and swim to catch fish.

Galapagos penguin.

Galapagos penguin yoga???

On the way to the wet landing, we also saw a Great Blue Heron and some blue-footed boobies diving.

Great blue heron at the water's edge.

Our wet landing at Sombrero Chino was amazing. In the water, we saw multiple pups trying to get milk from a mother. As her milk is limited and precious, she only lets her own pup drink it (she distinguishes her pup from the others by smell). While we saw remnants of coral, there aren't actually any coral reefs in the Galapagos. Coral lives in shallow waters and the Galapagos Islands drop too quickly for it to grow since it needs the sunlight. Most coral is either adapted to cold or warm water and with the fluctuations in temperature here, coral is not able to thrive.

Coral along the beach.

Landscape of Sombrero Chino.

Looking back towards the beach we landed at.

On the way back, we saw how Darwin's finches had to adapt their beaks to their food source as its very hard and sharp. We also saw a one day old sea lion pup. We followed the blood trail and even managed to see exactly where the pup was born.

Newly born sea lion pup with its mom.

Sea lion pup looking at us.

Sea lion pup with mom.

I expected the pup to be much smaller! We also saw a male patrolling the beach. He knows that since the mother just gave birth, she'll be able to mate again. So, he is protecting her and her pup from other males. He won't sleep or eat and can last this way for about four weeks (sometimes more). If another male comes to the beach, he will probably win the fight and mate with the female since the other male will be weak and tired. If that is the case, the first male will be kicked out and he will join a bachelor colony with other males.



Following our wet landing, I went kayaking. Kayaking is a great way to get close to the animals because we don't make as much noise (compared to the zodiac's motor). We saw some great blue herons, brown pelicans and sea lions. We explored little coves and paddled close to the shore. We had a lovely view of Sombrero Chino (why is it named after a Chinese hat? Do many Chinese come here or is it a perception/stereotype of the Chinese culture?). A highlight from the kayak was when a male was patrolling the waters. When he saw us, he swam around us while barking. We were also able to see fish in the clear water below, but they were swimming too fast to be able to identify them. As much as I dislike swimming in the ocean, I love to kayak on it!

We boarded the kayaks from the zodiac, towing them until we got to a kayaking location.

Kayaking with Sarah.

During lunch, the boat cruised to Rabida which was only an hour or so away. Rabida features a beautiful red sand beach, which can be seen from quite some distance. We had the opportunity to kayak here as well and although it was windy and a little rough, it was still enjoyable. Like the earlier kayaking session, we saw brown pelicans, sea lions and fish. We also saw sally lightfoot crabs, blue-footed boobies and a Galapagos fur seal. Although the name may suggest otherwise, the Galapagos fur seal is actually just a type of sea lion. It is noticeably smaller, its ears seem to stick out more, and its nose is pushed in (whereas the sea lion's sticks out).

Baby fur seal looking adorable!

Snoozing fur seal. Tough life.

A rock pillow? Whatever works!

Following kayaking, we had a wet landing at Rabida. We saw a sally lightfoot crab's exoskeleton. As its new shell grows, the new shell pushes up on the old one until the crab can wiggle out. The one we saw was a male, easily identifiable by a triangular patch underneath (the female has a circular underpart with a membrane for accepting sperm). As crabs are cannibals, the sally lightfoot crabs cautiously move closer to one another. They'll extend one leg, then two, then three, and so on, touching the other crab to see if they react in a friendly way. If they do, they'll mate once and then go their separate ways. The black crabs we see on the lava are also sally lightfoot crabs, though immature ones, that are black to protect their soft shells from predators until they grow the colorful one. A crab's main predators on land are birds and when they're in the water, their main predators are octopi and eels.

The hike today was perfect. It wasn't humid and it was slightly overcast with a cool breeze. As far as animals, the hike was uneventful but the blooming yellow flowers made up for it. The red sand also provided a great contrast for the few sea lions we did see.

Landscape at Rabida.

Lizard at Rabida.

Walking around Rabida.

Cactus flowers in bloom.

Another day, another sea lion picture. This time, with me in it!

As we returned to the boat, the setting sun peeked out through the layered clouds. Each and every day here is so different. . . and so beautiful.

That's all for now... Stay tuned for more Galapagos adventures. Also, be sure to hit the subscribe button to be notified of new posts, as there is sometimes unreliable internet! Follow my instagram @elissatitle for more photography posts.