About the Port
Post Office Bay sits on the northern shore of Floreana Island, one of the earliest-settled outposts in the Galápagos. Since the late 18th century, whalers and sailors have left letters in a wooden barrel here, trusting future visitors to carry them home by hand rather than by post. The custom endures today, making the barrel one of the archipelago's most unusual living landmarks.
Beyond the barrel, the bay's calm waters and black sand beach invite a slower pace, with sea lions and marine iguanas often resting nearby and green sea turtles occasionally spotted offshore. Snorkeling excursions from the bay reveal a lively mix of reef fish and rays. Landings are made by panga rather than a fixed pier, so travelers should expect a wet or dry shore transfer typical of Galápagos visits, with sturdy sandals recommended for the walk to the historic site.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Post Office Bay.
Leave a Letter at the Barrel
Add a postcard to the centuries-old wooden barrel and sort through others, carrying home any addressed near you—an unbroken tradition dating to 18th-century whalers. Bring a card written in advance since supplies on-site are limited.
Snorkel the Bay's Shallows
Slip into calm, protected water just off the black sand beach to drift alongside rays, reef fish, and the occasional green sea turtle. Gear is typically provided on the panga; a wetsuit helps against cooler currents.
Walk the Lava Tube Trail
A short path inland leads past a collapsed lava tunnel and pooled seawater, remnants of Floreana's volcanic past and early settler activity. Wear sturdy sandals for the uneven, rocky ground.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Click a cruise line to see its Post Office Bay sailings and Pavlus pricing.
Cruises That Visit Post Office Bay
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 24, 2026 | HX | MS Santa Cruz II | 11 | $10,520 | |
| Nov 10, 2026 | HX | MS Santa Cruz II | 6 | $6,983 | |
| Nov 13, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Flora | 16 | $23,957 | |
| Nov 13, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Flora | 10 | $15,607 | |
| Nov 13, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Flora | 11 | $15,757 | |
| Nov 14, 2026 | Silversea | Silver Origin | 7 | $11,900 | |
| Nov 15, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Flora | 7 | $13,607 | |
| Nov 27, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Flora | 16 | $20,452 | |
| Nov 27, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Flora | 10 | $12,102 | |
| Nov 27, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Flora | 11 | $12,252 | |
| Dec 11, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Flora | 11 | $11,309 | |
| Dec 11, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Flora | 16 | $19,509 | |
| Dec 11, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Flora | 10 | $11,159 | |
| Dec 12, 2026 | Silversea | Silver Origin | 7 | $12,330 | |
| Dec 13, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Flora | 7 | $10,616 | |
| Dec 17, 2026 | HX | MS Santa Cruz II | 15 | $16,156 | |
| Dec 25, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Flora | 16 | $24,223 | |
| Dec 25, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Flora | 10 | $15,872 | |
| Dec 25, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Flora | 11 | $16,023 | |
| Dec 27, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Flora | 7 | $13,872 |
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