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Marble Rays in the Galapagos: Exploring Fernandina Island’s Mysteries
You will visit the well-known Fernandina Island on the final day of Santa Cruz II’s Western Islands itinerary. Notoriety stemmed partly from the controversy surrounding three unexplained deaths and a baroness that erupted between the colonists. Its renowned Post Office is situated on what is now known as Post Office Bay, the hub for delivering mail left by travelers and sailors to the actual Post Office on the mainland from any ship that paused there en route home.
It is also well-known for being one of the few locations in the archipelago where you can view flamingos and a beach teeming with young marble rays. Even though each reason above is worthy of a blog post, this time, we’ll concentrate on the stunning marble rays in the Galapagos Islands. Learn more about them before your incredible journey, and then be in awe of the sight ahead!
Did you know?
There are numerous names for marble rays, including Blotched Fantail, Giant Reef Tail, and Round Ribbon Tail Rays. They are also known by their scientific names, Taeniura Meyer and T. melanosis, albeit the latter is the one that is more frequently used. These incredible animals can reach lengths of up to 3 meters, widths of up to 1.7 meters, and weights of up to 150 kg. Their size makes them easily identifiable. Marble rays are fashioned somewhat differently from their diamond-shaped brethren; they are rounder and have black dots resembling those of Dalmatians. Despite not being an aggressive animal, they will use their poisonous tail to defend themselves if they feel threatened.
Habits and Behaviours
The marble ray is a nocturnal predator that feeds on tiny crustaceans and bottom fish found on the ocean floor. Typically, up to twelve males are followed by a single female throughout breeding seasons. The female retains her fertilized eggs inside her body till the embryo grows. Up to seven ray pups may be born to her and left alone after that.
Marble Ray Distribution
This species is found in isolated regions such as the Galapagos Islands (the furthest east), southern Japan, Micronesia, Australia, the Red Sea, and East African waters. Marble rays are not as common in the Galapagos as they are at Cormorant Point on Floreana Island, even though they can be spotted in large groups and as lone explorers.
Cormorant Point
Following a damp landing on an exquisite beach with olivine-crystal sand, you will initially proceed toward the flamingo lagoon in your party. There are times when these pink birds are seen daily, and months pass with no sightings. Keep an eye out because they could feed amongst the rocks while hidden in the distance.
Following your initial visit, you will proceed to the next tourist destination, a flour beach, a gentle, white, powdery stretch of coastline on the opposite side of the isthmus. Step outside without your shoes on and enjoy the lovely sand between your toes.
Remember, this is a baby Marble rays in the Galapagos hotspot, so stay out of the water. Upon closely examining the water, one may observe dozens dispersed across the bay, licking the seafloor for sustenance. If fortune favors you, you may spot juvenile white-tip reef sharks serenely gliding in and out of the rays.
The Perfect Setting to Spot Marble Rays in the Galapagos
You will glimpse the sun’s final rays as they pass through the turquoise waves because you will arrive at this location just before sunset. A flawlessly conic hill frames this enchanted location to your left, with sea turtle nests behind you (but stick to the permitted strolling zones because the nests are easily trampled on and hidden beneath the sand). Experience one of the renowned sunsets in the Galapagos on your journey back to the olivine-crystal beach, where your dinghy will be waiting to take you there. No matter what the weather holds for us that afternoon, our trip to Cormorant Point will undoubtedly be the highlight of an incredible Galapagos cruise on the Santa Cruz II Cruise.
