Isabela Island
Today we had a very special day. We visited the most western part of the archipelago where we enjoyed a very dramatic composition of volcanic landscapes, dominated largely by shield volcanoes and young black lava flows. We started early in the morning with a spectacular sighting of common dolphins. They were involved in a feeding frenzy along side numerous sea bird species. Later in the morning we, had a great Zodiac ride along the coastline of Punta Vicente Roca. This place, which is located in the northeastern part of Isabela Island, has a great amount of wildlife. Among the many different species observed were blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and brown noddy terns. The water was so clear today that it was even possible to see straight to the bottom of the ocean floor. The green pacific sea turtles were popping their heads everywhere, and a large school of small fish was being chased by penguins. We decided to go on a snorkel on the same area where we did our Zodiac ride, and came back on board very happy with all the fantastic sightings.
In the afternoon, right after our very special Ecuadorian lunch, pilot whales were spotted at the distance. These cetaceans were the delight of us all. Some of the pilot whales were extremely close to the ship that we all could take extraordinary pictures. To top the day off, we went for a visit to Fernandina Island. This is the most pristine and most beautiful island in the Galápagos archipelago. It has a spectacular landscape due the youngness of the lava flows. Black lava flows and the blue waters of the ocean surround a huge shield-shape volcano. During this visit, we also observed sea lions, a very large colony of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and the very special Galápagos penguins. A stunning sunset marked the end of this day that will be in our hearts and minds forever.
Today we had a very special day. We visited the most western part of the archipelago where we enjoyed a very dramatic composition of volcanic landscapes, dominated largely by shield volcanoes and young black lava flows. We started early in the morning with a spectacular sighting of common dolphins. They were involved in a feeding frenzy along side numerous sea bird species. Later in the morning we, had a great Zodiac ride along the coastline of Punta Vicente Roca. This place, which is located in the northeastern part of Isabela Island, has a great amount of wildlife. Among the many different species observed were blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and brown noddy terns. The water was so clear today that it was even possible to see straight to the bottom of the ocean floor. The green pacific sea turtles were popping their heads everywhere, and a large school of small fish was being chased by penguins. We decided to go on a snorkel on the same area where we did our Zodiac ride, and came back on board very happy with all the fantastic sightings.
In the afternoon, right after our very special Ecuadorian lunch, pilot whales were spotted at the distance. These cetaceans were the delight of us all. Some of the pilot whales were extremely close to the ship that we all could take extraordinary pictures. To top the day off, we went for a visit to Fernandina Island. This is the most pristine and most beautiful island in the Galápagos archipelago. It has a spectacular landscape due the youngness of the lava flows. Black lava flows and the blue waters of the ocean surround a huge shield-shape volcano. During this visit, we also observed sea lions, a very large colony of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and the very special Galápagos penguins. A stunning sunset marked the end of this day that will be in our hearts and minds forever.
