Fernandina and Isabela
Today we woke up in the western realm of the Galápagos to an amazing show of common dolphins that welcomed us to the dreamlike world that only exists here.
Fernandina, being the youngest island of the archipelago, gave us the impression that we had gone back in time; the young pahoe -hoe lava, the dragon-like creatures and the wild lava cactus made us realize that this is how these islands were before humans arrived.
With the low tide on our side, we were able to enjoy the scenery of the black lava covered with green algae and the red Sally Lightfoot crabs, which helped us to witness how the marine iguanas feed on these algae without going into the water with them.
The snorkeling was probably the best so far; the combination of sea turtles, penguins, sea lions and cormorants again made us appreciate how lucky we are being able to snorkel with these creatures all at the same spot.
The Zodiac ride in the afternoon was relaxing but at the same time exhilarating, with all the magnificent things surrounding us. In this tiny cove, formed by magnificent geological formations like dikes and sills running along a vast red cinder wall, we found flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, large marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, brown noddy terns, and green sea turtles catching their breath every so often. However, the best part of this ride was the manta rays that were copulating right next to the Zodiacs.
I can only describe this place like a piece of artwork filled with magic in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, waiting to be discovered by innocent eyes that have not seen a piece of paradise.
