Isabela and Fernandina Islands
We started the day with the extraordinary sighting of a large pod of pilot whales. We observed the cetaceans while cruising around the northern side of Isabela Island, the largest one in the Galápagos archipelago. These beautiful marine mammals were observed for a long period of time from the ship. They were probably looking for food in the rich waters that bathe this part of the Galápagos Islands.
Later in the morning we had a Zodiac ride along the coastline of Ecuador volcano. Enormous shield volcanoes dominate the panorama. The volcanic landscape around this area is breathtaking. During the ride, we observed a big array of animal species that included many green sea turtles, blue footed boobies, flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, sea lions and marine iguanas. We all enjoyed very much observing the great diversity and abundance of animals in such short period of time.
After a delicious traditional Ecuadorian lunch, our guests enjoyed the navigation on our way to our next destination, Fernandina Island. This is a beautiful island, and it is the youngest in the archipelago. The landscape is quite impressive, too. There is only one shield volcano that dominates the landscape of the island. Young, black lava flows are observed everywhere you look. The fauna that inhabits this island is very special. Huge marine iguana groups basking on the sun constitute one of the major attractions. Flightless cormorants nesting on the shore lines and Galápagos penguins standing on the lava rocks were people’s favorites, as well. What a fantastic day we spent in these paradisiacal islands, a day fulfilled with new sightings and discoveries that have left indelible memories for our visitors and staff alike.
We started the day with the extraordinary sighting of a large pod of pilot whales. We observed the cetaceans while cruising around the northern side of Isabela Island, the largest one in the Galápagos archipelago. These beautiful marine mammals were observed for a long period of time from the ship. They were probably looking for food in the rich waters that bathe this part of the Galápagos Islands.
Later in the morning we had a Zodiac ride along the coastline of Ecuador volcano. Enormous shield volcanoes dominate the panorama. The volcanic landscape around this area is breathtaking. During the ride, we observed a big array of animal species that included many green sea turtles, blue footed boobies, flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, sea lions and marine iguanas. We all enjoyed very much observing the great diversity and abundance of animals in such short period of time.
After a delicious traditional Ecuadorian lunch, our guests enjoyed the navigation on our way to our next destination, Fernandina Island. This is a beautiful island, and it is the youngest in the archipelago. The landscape is quite impressive, too. There is only one shield volcano that dominates the landscape of the island. Young, black lava flows are observed everywhere you look. The fauna that inhabits this island is very special. Huge marine iguana groups basking on the sun constitute one of the major attractions. Flightless cormorants nesting on the shore lines and Galápagos penguins standing on the lava rocks were people’s favorites, as well. What a fantastic day we spent in these paradisiacal islands, a day fulfilled with new sightings and discoveries that have left indelible memories for our visitors and staff alike.
