Unusual Post Office Tops the Global Rankings
In the heart of the Galapagos Islands, Post Office Bay on Floreana Island stands as a testament to an unconventional postal system that dates back to the 18th century. Thousands of letters pass through this bay each year, a tradition that continues into the 21st century.
The origins of this unique post office are somewhat unclear, but it is believed that a barrel was erected by a crew in the 1890s. The first mention of the post office on Floreana Island can be traced back to Captain David Porter's Journal of a Cruise in 1813. Over the years, driftwood bearing painted names and dates has been piled around the site to commemorate long-ago letter deliveries.
The postal system was established by 18th-century whalers who, after delivering their mail, would often take on a supply of giant sea tortoises before departing from Floreana Island. Regrettably, the consumption of these giant sea tortoises during this period is one of the reasons why Charles Darwin found none left on Floreana Island when he arrived in 1835.
Tour groups often stop at the island to explore ancient lava caves and to pick up and drop off postcards. After sifting through the mail, visitors can mail or hand-deliver letters to their recipients. The simple wooden barrel at Post Office Bay is covered in notes and keepsakes from travelers, replaced by visiting vessels from around the world since the 1890s.
John Woram, author of Charles Darwin Slept Here, crafted a timeline of the post office's history. In Captain David Porter's book, he recalls a crew member returning with papers from a nailed box labeled "Hathaway's Postoffice." Another explorer documented the practice of bottling notes and leaving them to be taken back to America by fishing vessels in the mid-19th century.
Tour guides often say that slapping a stamp on a letter and dropping it in a mailbox is cheating, but the 18th-century whalers might not have objected to any method that saw their letters delivered. The Galápagos islands are known for sea lions, penguins, and this unique postal system on the island of Floreana.
Post Office Bay on Floreana Island remains a fascinating reminder of the ingenuity and perseverance of past explorers, and a charming attraction for modern-day travellers seeking a glimpse into the past.
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