Southern Isabela Island

Clear skies, calm seas and the unmistakable fresh ocean breeze were our companion during our pre-breakfast kayak outing. Penguins and sea turtles were the regular sights as we paddled along the dramatic coastline of Urbina Bay.

After such an energetic start, we headed for our visit to one of the most interesting locations in Southern Isabela Island. Urbina Bay’s coastline has been shaped and re-shaped over time not only due the continuous lava flows that reached its coast, but because it has revealed a history of underwater uplifting that last occurred back in 1954.  Our walk took us in the middle of the field were the whole action took place a little over fifty years ago. Shells and marine organisms were clearly visible as we observed and analyzed some of the rocky shores.

Once inland, land iguanas had created the perfect ecological niche to survive, creating hundreds of burrows that were easily spotted due their proximity to the trail.  The dense and lush vegetation gave us also a different perspective of how dry zones looks like in the Galápagos.

Later the beach seemed as the perfect combination after our energetic three mile walk; sweaty shirts got replaced by bathing suits outfits and the freshness of the water was the best reward for the walkers!

Our afternoon outing took place a little bit south from our morning location. The area known as Punta Moreno has several dozens of hidden brackish water lagoons with an incredible array of wildlife. Barren lava flows were all you could see once on land, but as you walk, every few hundred feet there were areas that long ago collapsed, creating the perfect barrier for plants to arrive and establish, protected from the strong winds of the area.

Our afternoon was only toped by one of the most beautiful sunsets of the week, giving the chance for the southern skies to take over and their always welcomed constellations.