Isabela and Fernandina Islands
Another happy day to remember. Dawn came to us as we were coasting by the northern shore of the largest Galápagos island, Isabela. We were up on the sun deck on the watch for marine life, and we saw several rays leaping three feet above the water and falling back down with big splashes. Our destination was a small bay bordered by the contrasting colours of impressive cliffs, which in themselves are an attraction.
This was a water morning, and the ocean offered us excellent conditions to watch the sea life. After breakfast, some of us went out in kayaks for a ride by the shore, while others did the same on Zodiacs. Great light and calm waters allowed us to see at pleasure two species of boobies (some had chicks), brown noddies, a quiet dialog between a marine iguana and a penguin, swimming cormorants, more marine iguanas, and penguins on the chase of silvery fish. From time to time, a sea turtle would lift its head out of the water or swim under the boats. Later in the morning, most of us went snorkelling along the shore. The usual colourful angel fish, razor fish, parrot fish etc. were there, but besides these, there was a big Mola mola (sunfish), several golden rays, sea lions and thousands of sardines which, at times, made us feel as if we were wrapped up in a cloud of life, a living curtain of tiny fish. Some penguins were after another species of little fish making them dance back and forth, while turtles would swim under us oblivious to the hustle above them.
The afternoon had its own surprises as well. Prior to the dry landing, we took a ride along the coast, and as we were approaching the island from the ship, we saw a flock of blue footed boobies in a feeding frenzy. There were some brown noddies, pelicans and penguins with them. The birds displayed their abilities for us, and we were able to watch them real close from the boats. After this, we went ashore all wound up to discover more things, and nature, once again, allowed us to see everything the island had to offer: piles of iguanas here and there, nesting cormorants, young playful sea lions and a lava lizard catching grasshoppers for dinner.
Back on board, there were cocktails waiting for all as we watched another beautiful sunset that ended an exciting day.
Another happy day to remember. Dawn came to us as we were coasting by the northern shore of the largest Galápagos island, Isabela. We were up on the sun deck on the watch for marine life, and we saw several rays leaping three feet above the water and falling back down with big splashes. Our destination was a small bay bordered by the contrasting colours of impressive cliffs, which in themselves are an attraction.
This was a water morning, and the ocean offered us excellent conditions to watch the sea life. After breakfast, some of us went out in kayaks for a ride by the shore, while others did the same on Zodiacs. Great light and calm waters allowed us to see at pleasure two species of boobies (some had chicks), brown noddies, a quiet dialog between a marine iguana and a penguin, swimming cormorants, more marine iguanas, and penguins on the chase of silvery fish. From time to time, a sea turtle would lift its head out of the water or swim under the boats. Later in the morning, most of us went snorkelling along the shore. The usual colourful angel fish, razor fish, parrot fish etc. were there, but besides these, there was a big Mola mola (sunfish), several golden rays, sea lions and thousands of sardines which, at times, made us feel as if we were wrapped up in a cloud of life, a living curtain of tiny fish. Some penguins were after another species of little fish making them dance back and forth, while turtles would swim under us oblivious to the hustle above them.
The afternoon had its own surprises as well. Prior to the dry landing, we took a ride along the coast, and as we were approaching the island from the ship, we saw a flock of blue footed boobies in a feeding frenzy. There were some brown noddies, pelicans and penguins with them. The birds displayed their abilities for us, and we were able to watch them real close from the boats. After this, we went ashore all wound up to discover more things, and nature, once again, allowed us to see everything the island had to offer: piles of iguanas here and there, nesting cormorants, young playful sea lions and a lava lizard catching grasshoppers for dinner.
Back on board, there were cocktails waiting for all as we watched another beautiful sunset that ended an exciting day.
