Isabela & Fernandina Islands
Those Islanders heeding the 6:30 a.m. wake-up call were greeted with a warm, misty morning amongst the westernmost Galápagos Islands. With Isabela in sight, we scanned the horizon for whales but instead spotted a shark, copious sea lions, a wedge-rumped storm petrel, white vented and brown noddy terns. A while later we gathered on the bridge for the GPS countdown to 00.00 latitude, as we glided south across the equator. Outside several massive Mola mola headed north, and the collapsed flank of Isabela came into view. We dropped anchor at Punta Vicente where the Zodiacs and kayakers launched to explore the cliff walls and paddle to the wide, inviting mouth of a cave. On a cliff ledge, we admired a stately flightless cormorant, and below, several penguins, many curious sea lions—and our constant companions—the graceful sea turtles. Our morning thrill was intercepting two male orca whales actively feeding, while a frenzy of frigate birds hovered above awaiting leftovers. The mist once again rolled over the top of Isabela and crept down the cliffs walls as we set off toward Fernandina. Afternoon snorkelers braved characteristically cool waters to visit with sea turtles, Galápagos penguins and sea lions. Coastal walkers at Punta Espinosa tread over sand and lava flows careful not to disturb subterranean marine iguana eggs and flightless cormorant nests. Marine iguanas piled atop one another, sea lions warmed themselves on lava uplift, and penguins huddled together as the hazy sun dissolved behind Volcan Fernandina.
Those Islanders heeding the 6:30 a.m. wake-up call were greeted with a warm, misty morning amongst the westernmost Galápagos Islands. With Isabela in sight, we scanned the horizon for whales but instead spotted a shark, copious sea lions, a wedge-rumped storm petrel, white vented and brown noddy terns. A while later we gathered on the bridge for the GPS countdown to 00.00 latitude, as we glided south across the equator. Outside several massive Mola mola headed north, and the collapsed flank of Isabela came into view. We dropped anchor at Punta Vicente where the Zodiacs and kayakers launched to explore the cliff walls and paddle to the wide, inviting mouth of a cave. On a cliff ledge, we admired a stately flightless cormorant, and below, several penguins, many curious sea lions—and our constant companions—the graceful sea turtles. Our morning thrill was intercepting two male orca whales actively feeding, while a frenzy of frigate birds hovered above awaiting leftovers. The mist once again rolled over the top of Isabela and crept down the cliffs walls as we set off toward Fernandina. Afternoon snorkelers braved characteristically cool waters to visit with sea turtles, Galápagos penguins and sea lions. Coastal walkers at Punta Espinosa tread over sand and lava flows careful not to disturb subterranean marine iguana eggs and flightless cormorant nests. Marine iguanas piled atop one another, sea lions warmed themselves on lava uplift, and penguins huddled together as the hazy sun dissolved behind Volcan Fernandina.
