Grapsus Grapsus | Red Rock Crabs of the Galapagos

On our second day on the Galapagos we spent the day on the Island of Isebela. We got to see many of the islands animals, the red crabs being just a few. 

With a little research online I found out that the scientific name of these red crabs is Grapsus Grapsus, and that they are also referred to as "Red Rock Crabs" or "Sally Lightfoot Crabs." These crabs have the incredible ability to walk on water,  jump from rock to rock and can climb up vertically.

First Excursion on Santa Cruz | Galapagos | Ecuador

Our tour guide called this excursion the "hard walk." A long part of the walk was on an ancient lava flow which had become broken over time. Our cautioned against anyone that would have trouble walking on very rough terrain not to come. The terrain was difficult at times and by the end of the day my legs were sore along with a strained right angle, but it was worth every step and the occasional twist of the ankle.

We started on a water taxi and this was the first to see.

First Blue Booby of the day.

Couldn't you just live here...

...and look out at this view all day.

A stay here is in order...

...with a nice stroll down this path.

Here are the first Black Marine Iguanas we saw and everyone stopped to take photos.

Here is the first and only blue heron we saw, had to take a shot.

Andi was here.

"Paradise" the bar.

"Paradise" seating.

The Black-Necked Stilt bird.

We made it to the top of the jumping off point.

Then we climbed down using the scary staircase in background. 

But all was worth it, just look at this water.

Las Grietas, "the crack", or where the younguns jumped off.

More of the Las Grietas.

Then we moved to the shark resting lagoon, only one shark was resting.

And so was one black marine iguana.

and I thought a close-up was in order...

ohh, nice sleeping iguana.

The trail leading back from the lagoon.

Red Booby Hotel, Santa Cruz Island | Galapagos, Ecuador

This is where we stayed while on the Galapagos, the Red Booby Hotel. The hotel staff was extremely pleasant and helpful. They also serve a delicious breakfast with fresh fruit, small pancakes and ham and cheese omelets.

The Red Booby Hotel

We made it, we are at the hotel.

Nice touch, embroidered pillow cases.

View of the charming courtyard from our room.

Looking up to the second floor from the courtyard.

Coffee!

Our morning gathering place for breakfast and to meet for the daily tour.

Baltra Airport | Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Now we are on our way to Galapagos Island. Our stay will be at the Red Booby Hotel in Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz, but first we fly into Balta Island airport with a transfer to Santa Cruz Island.

Our day with meeting our group in the Hotel Quito's lobby at 5:30 am for transport to the airport, flying to Quayaquil and then over to the Islands. We arrive at the airport and find a long line to check into customs, but it when quick and our tour guides were waiting for us and we were on our way.

Welcome to Galapagos!

Our plane that brought us to the Islands and what a perfect sky.

This is what I call my bug eye look.

Here is the water taxi that carries us and our luggage over to the other island, Santa Cruz.

This is the first picture I took as soon as I got on the water taxi, just look at that water.

We are now on the bus that will take us to the hotel, but just look at that sky and water.

The bus that brought us back to the airport.

Luggage was transported on separate trucks.

Some last shopping before entering the airport.

One of the shops at the airport.

Baltra airport, no doors or windows and filled with an wonderful island breeze.

A quick photo of us at the airport, exposure all wrong, but that's ok, I wanted a photo of us right before we left the island.

We start our walk to the plane.

There is another plane also loading passengers to go back to the mainland, I believe I hear crying, could be just mine, but I do hear it.

One more photo please, just one more before you close the door.