Post Office Bay Visitor Site

Post Office Bay is a popular stop with visitors, who get to soak in a little bit of the human history of the islands, which can be refreshing after days of natural history and animals. Centuries ago, whaling ships would spend years at sea hunting and rendering whales for their valuable fat. Needless to say, the sailors would miss home, and they would send letters to loved ones. The best way to do this was to drop the letters at places frequented by other whalers in the hopes that some other ship heading for your home port would take the letters with them. Apparently the system worked, because Post Office Bay was used by sailors for almost a century.

The traditional simple wooden barrel is more elaborate and decorated now, but still serves the same function. Just write a postcard or letter with an address and drop it in. No stamps needed! In theory, the next person who lives close to you will take it home and hand-deliver it. It's a great way to make new friends! Visitors are encouraged to sift through the pile of outgoing mail and take a letter or two home. Remember, hand-deliver it!

Post Office Bay also includes the ruins of a canning factory and a soccer field (your ship's crew will probably come and play, visitors are usually encouraged to join in, but watch out: they're good!). There's also a lava tube: a cave-like tunnel formed ages ago by flowing lava. There's a pool in the tube, good for a nice swim in the dark.

Hiking difficulty: 1/5. Mostly flat. Wet landing on a sandy beach. A ladder descends to the lava tube.

Highly Probable to see:

• Sea Lions
• Sally Lightfoot Crabs
• Hermit Crabs
• Floreana Lava Lizard

Here are some related tips to help plan your trip to Galápagos Island Visitor Sites: Punta Cormorant - Floreana Visitor Site, Gardner Bay/Tortuga Rock Visitor Site, Floreana Visitor Site: La Loberia/Sea Lions Area, More Isabela Visitor Sites, Puerto Egas Visitor Site, Buccaneer Cove, Punta Suarez and Champion Islet Visitor Site.