Isabela & Fernandina Island

The Wolf Volcano Majestic and its dark outline was hair dressed by a fantastic cloud whose golden color announced a proximate sunrise. The deep blue sea remained undisturbed by any wind or current and National Geographic Endeavour was heading to the equatorial line after an overnight navigation from Floreana Island. The day will begin and end at the bow of the ship, surrounded by this unique and awesome scenery: the western side of the Galápagos.

A Zodiac ride provided a closer look at the shore line of Ecuador volcano. We rode along a dramatic landscape of barren, steep cliffs made of red and fragile scoria, banded by basalt dikes. The fur seals found a shelter among rocks and braking waves, as well as marine iguanas, marine birds and marine turtles. Later, while snorkeling, we got to see the turtles much closer, along with Galápagos penguins and flightless cormorants. A sea lion even came and played with us.

What a delightful morning!

Our afternoon visit to Fernandina Island, at the other side of the Bolivar Channel, offered outstanding scenery. The impassive shade of the volcano dominates the area. The dark and extended lava field is interrupted only by intermittent patches of vegetation that speckle the flank of green. On the shore, we made our way through a colony of marine iguanas. Some flightless cormorants spread their magnificent wingspan to dry their feathers in the sun, while sea lions played in the waves under the passive observation of a bull male.

We cruised over the Equator line, as some of us took part in a cocktail on the bow of the ship. We enjoyed a smooth navigation and a gorgeous sunset. Spending the day immersed in the pristine wilderness of the western side of Galápagos was an unforgettable experience. May this day sow in each one of us a deeper respect and understanding of our vulnerability, and intertwined existence, with our environment.