Postcard from the Galapagos Islands: Where Mail Means More

Even though I’ve purchased postcards on trips before, I’ve never mailed them. They’ve been an affordable souvenir featuring highlights of a destination. Sure, photos can do the same thing, but postcards have a special quality—they’re a polished picture. 

In the Galapagos Islands, some postcards have a higher calling. Ones that find their way to a particular post office box on Floreana Island could end up inspiring a new adventure. The box itself is unassuming—not bright red or blue like other mail receptacles. This neutral barrel is situated off the dock without any signage telling its story. It’s the addressed cards inside that could potentially weave their own epic tale. 

My story began before I ventured to the island. A fellow writer announced her upcoming picture book, Post Office Bay, based on the origins of this Galapagos landmark. This was one of those kismet sparks that showed me I’m on the right life path—which is always a welcomed reminder from the universe. 

Then our tour guide expanded on the story at a museum exhibit about Floreana and told us to have some postcards ready for when we visited. He didn’t have to tell me twice. By the time we got to the island, my cards were purchased and addressed. One was to my parents, thanking them for taking care of Guvna while I was away. Another was to me, noting that if it were to find its way back, it was a sign I should return to the islands. 

But the story doesn’t stop there. The main draw to this mailbox is to see if any postcards are addressed to a nearby city. If so, it’s suggested that we hand deliver them. This is the only way they’ll reach their destination, since none of them have postage. 

This personalized service continues the tradition set back centuries ago when whalers left letters for home that passengers on passing ships would pick up and deliver if they were headed that way. Of course, this meant it could take years for someone to receive a letter, if at all. But it stirs a sense of community and connection that’s often overlooked these days.

So, as we looked through the stack of postcards in the box, we filed through addresses from all over the world. The number of Canadian and European locations told its own story of where a majority of tourists travel from. Surprisingly, there were a few cards with addresses within driving distance. I now have two postcards to hand deliver. One is within the state and another is planned for a weekend getaway. I’m looking forward to the adventure that’s about to unfold.