Floreana Island bears a unique personality where its history has become the main attraction, even more than the lava fields, boobies and azure waters.
Floreana Island Size: 173 square kilometres
Floreana Island Population: Approx 100
Floreana Island Max Altitude: 640 metres above sea level
Where is Floreana Island
Floreana Island is situated towards the southern part of the Galápagos Archipelago. It lies southwest of Santa Cruz Island and southeast of Isabela Island.
First Human Settlement
Floreana Island is the longest inhabited of the islands; its colourful past is brimming with tales of pirates, convicts and whalers, as well as the peculiar and mysterious ‘Galapagos Affair’. Home to about 100 Ecuadorians, the island was names after Juan Jose Flores, the first president of Ecuador who took possession of the archipelago during his administration.
Don’t let this fool you though; by no means is Floreana lacking in its natural wonders. In fact, the Corona del Diablo (Devil’s Crown), home to seasonal visits from rays, sharks and permanent shoals of bright tropical fish, is rated the best dive site in the entire Galapagos National Park. The Devils Crown itself, a semi-circular rock formation formed from a semi-submerged volcano cone, also plays home to a whole host of birds, including red-billed tropicbirds, lava gulls and pelicans and a quick panga ride will introduce you to some of these winged locals.
Floreana Island Wildlife
Not far from Devil’s Crown are the green beaches of Punta Cormorant, so coloured due to olivine materials found in the sand. This is a great spot for snorkelling with the playful sea lions, and there is a white sandy beach just 400 metres away – between the two you will find a flamingo lagoon, brimming with dozens of these lovely creatures.
Post Office Bay
In 1793 a wooden post barrel was located here, at the time, whaling was a huge industry and ships were at sea for two to three years at a time, frequently stopping in the Galapagos Islands. Outgoing seamen would place letters to the loved ones and families inside the barrel, then those on their return leg would pick them up, posting them when they arrived on home soil. As you arrive at the bay, you pass a brown beach where sea lions bask in the sun; your guide will grab a hand full of letters from the barrel, passing them out for you to send on your return. You may even post your own postcards and letters in the barrel to help continue the tradition!
