Isabela & Fernandina Islands

A long journey northward, from the southern island of Floreana, takes us to the entrance gate of the western side of the archipelago: Ecuador Volcano. Our anchorage looked like the edge of the seventh sea, where the ocean overflow poured off the edge of the earth. The waves were breaking on the shore. The flank of the volcano seemed like the wall of an old fortress, tired and wrinkled by erosion. The rough waters were playing with our Zodiac. Turtles were poking out for a breath all around us. The foamy water was entrancing to watch. We decided against snorkeling, it would have been impossible to find a sunfish on that broken surface. We navigated directly to our next destination, Fernandina.

A flock of marine birds dipped in and out of the water’s surface, searching for a fresh meal of fish. They were captivating to watch as they surrounded our Zodiacs. On land, we saw marine iguanas. The males were running after each other and pursuing females. The mating season normally begins in December so it was expected see such behavior. During the sunset we found a resting harbor of peace, as we watched sea lions play in a tide pool. Every day in the Galápagos is different, never to be repeated.