Galapagos Island Floreana

Galapagos Island Floreana and Post Office Bay are among the most attractive Galapagos visitor sites.

Post Office Bay

A beautiful Olivine beach (similar to Punta Cormorant) welcomes you, next to a dense salt-bush forest.

A few meters inland you will find a series of marine objects, including boats names, and most important a wooden barrel that holds postcards and notes from the most diverse origins.

The Galapagos history tells us that by the end of the 1700's some sailor nailed a wooden box to a tree, and called it Hathaway's Post Office.

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However, it is the British Captain James Colnett, who spreads the word and talks about a mailing system where packages and letters can be left there and get picked up by a passing ship in route to such destination.

Soon Post-Office Bay became a mandatory stop to all sailors in Galapagos waters. In this vast and remote Pacific Ocean, it was the only official way to communicate with relatives, friends and governments.

The system worked under a very simple concept: anyone could leave mail at the barrel, and a passing ship will collect it and hand-deliver it later.

At the time, the Islands were well visited by ships navigating the world's oceans, and chances of getting your mail around continents was actually quite likely to occur.

You could also receive your mail here too; if a ship brought mail, it will drop it at the barrel, and the recipient will collect it later.

This was indeed a useful service, free of cost, and gave everyone a chance to communicate while in Pacific waters.

As far as we know, Post Office Bay in Galapagos Island Floreana, is the earliest mailing system still existing in the East Tropical Pacific.

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During the war of 1812-1813 between the United States and England, Post Office Bay played a key role in these countries fate. The US Captain David Porter of the USS Essex, managed to capture over 30 British brigantines and frigate ships in Galapagos waters alone.

Since the Galapagos Islands' waters were common location for the British fleet (for whaling purposes), Porter read the mail at Post Office and figured out the possible locations of the wanted ships.

Sadly, all these sailors did not know the war had ended about six months ago. Thus, this war is also known as the War of Mis-communications.

Today, Galapagos visitors continue with the tradition (but don't read someone else's mail!), and take the postcards that match the country, state, city, even the same street.

There are times that this system may be better than many regular postal services. Post Office Bay in Galapagos Island floreana also holds some unique wildlife sites, all with rewarding landscapes to observe.

For instance, La Loberia, has a large colony of Galapagos Sea Lions next to islets that still display the unique cacti of Galapagos Island Floreana.

Also, along the shoreline marine iguanas, rays, sea turtles and even sharks can be spotted. Farther out, some smaller rocks show small colonies of Galapagos Penguins

A site called the Baroness' Observatory show a breath-taking view of La Lobería and the inland features of Floreana Island.

Recommended Reading

	Ecuador & Galapagos (Insight Guides) With 250 photos and tons of great information, this is an essential addition to your pre-Ecuador and -Galapagos reading! There are better guides if you are only interested in the islands, but for a combination trip taking in Ecuador as well, it's hard to beat.
	Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands Small enough to fit into your pocket, yet containing comprehensive information and pictures of all the species you will encounter in the islands, this book is a must-have for nature lovers. Let's face it, Galapagos is largely about the wildlife. This book will NOT disappoint, and you'll have a great memento of your time with the seals, penguins and tortoises!
	Galapagos: The Islands That Changed the World Definitely NOT a tourist's guide, but if you're like me, and find the history and geography of the islands irresistible, then this is a title you ought to invest in. Stunningly illustrated, and painstakingly researched, those of you who have been there will be enchanted again -- and those of you who have not will begin planning your trip!
	Moon Spotlight Galapagos Islands If you're a seasoned Galapagos regular, then you will probably prefer something weightier. But for first-timers looking for simple, down-to-earth advice on where to go, what to see and the best shopping and eating on the islands, this is the book for you. Small, well-priced, and reliable!
	Galapagos: Islands Born of Fire The 10th anniversary edition of this photographer's tour of the Galapagos Islands is a stunning book, worthy of anybody's coffee table. This is a perfect post-trip talking point -- a great way to remember what you've seen, and spread the word amongst your envious friends!

More About Galapagos:

Galapagos Animals

Best Galapagos Tour Packages

See Beautiful Photos of Galapagos

Galapagos Islands Information

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