Isabela and Fernandina Islands
Our expedition continued today around the western realms of the archipelago. We started the day with a great sighting of a fairly big pod of common dolphins. We spotted these magnificent marine mammals while cruising a few miles away from the northern coast line of Isabela Island. Later in the morning we crossed the equatorial line. For many of our guests, this occasion was very special. It was their first time crossing the line, and they were very excited about the event. After a very smooth navigation, we lowered the Zodiacs to explore the marine areas along the coast of Ecuador volcano. During the ride, we observed many interesting animal species: green sea turtles, Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, sea lions, boobies and the bizarre-looking giant sun fish (Mola mola). After this wonderful ride, most of our guests snorkeled in a very nice calm bay where they had the great opportunity to see big green turtles up close. Some other guests decided to enjoy this area in a different way. They went kayaking and certainly had a wonderful time.
In the afternoon, we visited the youngest and one of the most beloved islands in the archipelago, Fernandina. The island is dominated by one big shield volcano which is surrounded by very young lava flows. The whole volcanic landscape is very impressive. We walked inland on a very interesting lava flow. During the walk by the coast, we observed several flightless cormorants nesting. There were a few small chicks also begging for food to the parents. Some others were still incubating eggs. They were one of the highlights of the afternoon.
The marine iguanas on this island are very large due to the abundance of food supplies for them. Vast extensions of the coastline are covered with seaweed. This afternoon they were packed all together trying to keep warm and control their body temperature. Some like the one pictured today really look like miniature dragons. A great sunset marked the end of a day that was considered by many of our visitors this week as their favorite by far.
Our expedition continued today around the western realms of the archipelago. We started the day with a great sighting of a fairly big pod of common dolphins. We spotted these magnificent marine mammals while cruising a few miles away from the northern coast line of Isabela Island. Later in the morning we crossed the equatorial line. For many of our guests, this occasion was very special. It was their first time crossing the line, and they were very excited about the event. After a very smooth navigation, we lowered the Zodiacs to explore the marine areas along the coast of Ecuador volcano. During the ride, we observed many interesting animal species: green sea turtles, Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, sea lions, boobies and the bizarre-looking giant sun fish (Mola mola). After this wonderful ride, most of our guests snorkeled in a very nice calm bay where they had the great opportunity to see big green turtles up close. Some other guests decided to enjoy this area in a different way. They went kayaking and certainly had a wonderful time.
In the afternoon, we visited the youngest and one of the most beloved islands in the archipelago, Fernandina. The island is dominated by one big shield volcano which is surrounded by very young lava flows. The whole volcanic landscape is very impressive. We walked inland on a very interesting lava flow. During the walk by the coast, we observed several flightless cormorants nesting. There were a few small chicks also begging for food to the parents. Some others were still incubating eggs. They were one of the highlights of the afternoon.
The marine iguanas on this island are very large due to the abundance of food supplies for them. Vast extensions of the coastline are covered with seaweed. This afternoon they were packed all together trying to keep warm and control their body temperature. Some like the one pictured today really look like miniature dragons. A great sunset marked the end of a day that was considered by many of our visitors this week as their favorite by far.
