Fernandina and Isabela
Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island takes us back to the very beginning of time, where processes began to take place, making it possible for living creatures to eventually have a chance on earth. This formation is believed to be around 150,000 years old; in geological time it is considered a newborn baby. Observing the formation of soil and the simplicity of a basic ecosystem today made us feel the fragility of it all; the ecosystem equilibrium is overwhelming.
The scenery of the shield-shaped volcanoes here on the westernmost island of this archipelago made it easy for our guests to understand what geological time means and how erosion shapes the landscapes, not only of our islands but everywhere else in the planet.
Punta Vicente Roca along the coastline of Isabela Island is where we took a Zodiac ride; the species that inhabit these waters have more nutrients due to the presence of the marine undercurrent which is cold and rich in nutrients. The water that upwells around this area gives Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, giant marine iguanas and Pacific green sea turtles a higher chance in life, and that is what we have been able to witness along this interesting coast of the sea horse-shaped formation.
Having started our morning surrounded by a pod of common dolphins was a clear sign of what awaited us throughout the day— the most incredible marine wildlife interacting with each other. We recognize that this place deserves to be conserved for future generations—not only for us humans to enjoy but for the wonderful naïve creatures that own it. They have the right to continue with its evolutionary processes until the course of the universe surprises us all once again!!!
