"Better known as Floreana" Isla Santa María by kathymof

Isla Santa María Travel Guide: 18 reviews and 92 photos

The crew at Sand Flower Beach - Floreana

Wonderful Wildlife Sightings & Unusual Postoffice

The name of this island has changed several times throughout recent history and its most common name today is Floreana. It is a great place to go to see stingrays, flamingos including their nests, waders and turtle nests. The beach you land on for the wildlife hike is green because of the presence of olivine, a volcanic glass. The path branches shortly after you begin and you can loop down toward the flamingo lagoon or go higher and continue toward San Flour Beach. It is at Sand Flour Beach that you are able to see stingrays,turtle nests and hundreds of immature Sally Lightfoot crabs. It is named San Flour Beach because the sand is of a very fine consistency.

Gorgeous views from Floreana

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More views from Floreana

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Last visit to Isla Santa María: Jul 2008
Intro Updated Aug 18, 2008
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Reviews (7)

Lava lizard on Floreana - Isla Santa María

The ever-present Lava Lizard Things to Do (6)

Floreana like other islands in the Galapagos, has its share of Lava Lizards. They are fun to watch. more travel advice

Look for waders Things to Do (6)

There were waders along with flamingos in the salt water lagoon. Here is a picture of a Black-Necked Stilt along with a... more travel advice

Sally Lightfoot Crab Floreana - Isla Santa María

Colorful Crabs Things to Do (6)

Enjoy the colorful Sally Lightfoot Crabs that are all over the rocks at Sand Flour Beach. They are black and match the... more travel advice

Sand pellets left by a Ghost Crab - Isla Santa María

Ghost Crabs Things to Do (6)

There were a few ghost crabs on Sand Flour Beach. We did not get to see the crabs but were able to see the results of... more travel advice

Local Customs (1)
Post Office Bay - Wonderful Tradition

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Comments (4)

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MalenaN Oct 18, 2010 at 9:42 AM

I like the tradition of the Post Office Bay! And nice photos of the wildlife!
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Dester Dec 17, 2009 at 9:14 AM

Very cool Photos and tips. The post office is just about the neatest tip I can remember reading on vt.
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toonsarah Dec 10, 2008 at 1:35 AM

Great wildlife tips and photos, and I too love the Post Office idea - will definitely check it out!
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AlbuqRay Aug 23, 2008 at 8:27 AM

Loved the Post Office tip. What a great tradition. Those Sally Lightfoot crabs are impressive. Wonder how they got their name.