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Sky High, June 21, 2016: The amount of change in the weather in such a short time is astounding. That occurred here in the Galapagos Islands during a four-day spring tide, which turned the ordinarily tranquil Pacific Ocean into a raging ocean with abnormally large waves that slammed onto the islands. Our entire expedition team was taken aback by the drastic change and was shocked to see the sea so choppy. Our excursion leader was worried about everyone’s safety, so he visited Española Island with a few naturalist guides to see if the landing was safe.
Fortunately, the trip to Española Island was not canceled after our team carefully considered our options and decided it was time to disembark. This is a unique location because it’s the only island where we could have seen the enormous, present-day albatrosses. We had the good fortune to witness this incredible bird both taking off from the ground and leaping from a cliff. Still, what made this visit unforgettable was the incredible display we were treated to once we reached the other side of the island due to the weather and wave size.
From the top of the cliff, you can see a low area near the ocean. As the water level progressively increases and the waves smash the rocks, a vibrant spray of water shoots up from the rock—quite a show! Not to mention the noises the force of the water hitting the rocks created. The size of the waves meant that the water was pouring from the blowhole with considerably more force than usual and reaching amazing heights. Witnessing this water show at Española Island was undoubtedly next level.
