Isabela & Fernandina Islands
Our expedition around the Galápagos Islands continued today. A spectacular sunrise woke us up, unveiling the extraordinary landscapes of the western side of the archipelago. The impressive shield volcanoes surrounded us in a kind of magical and mysterious conjunction with blue waters and sky. The National Geographic Islander was slowly heading southwest and making its way across the equatorial line from the northern hemisphere to the southern hemisphere. We celebrated this special occasion with a rare visit from King Neptune himself and his court. Later in the morning, we went for a Zodiac ride along the coastline of Punta Vicente Roca. We spotted the amazing and huge ocean sunfish (Mola mola). Most of our visitors had the thrill of observing this huge fish for the first time in their lives. Endemic Galápagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, large marine iguanas, and endangered Pacific green sea turtles were admired as well. Just before lunch, many guests were snorkeling with the highly endangered Pacific sea turtles. This experience is by itself, unforgettable.
Just at lunch time a sighting caused commotion: orcas were spotted on the horizon. We saw very clearly the characteristic long fins of these marine mammals as they were passing by the ship. Right away with the aid of walkie-talkies, gestures and other signals, a great commotion was created. I made a general over the PA system announcing that we would put the Zodiacs once again in the water to go and see the orcas. Suddenly the reception was crowded with excitement, nobody wanted to miss this unusual opportunity. Some guests left behind their lunch, some came out of their shower; several crew members wanted to go as well. Our enthusiasm was at the top of the charts! We all headed to the place the marine mammals were spotted. A small pod of orca whales, consisting of two juveniles and a female were seen traveling cheerfully. The pod seemed to be playing! Carefully we observed them, respecting their privacy and keeping a prudential distance. On several occasions the orcas, filled with curiosity, came closer to the Zodiacs. Orca whales are not very common in the Galápagos; therefore we truly enjoyed this remarkable encounter. We had the unique chance to watch the spectacular displays the orcas were doing. The astounded orcas’ observers could not believe their eyes; they had one of the most beautiful whale species at such close range. Praising comments and expressions of joy were heard everywhere. The whole event produced a beautiful conjunction of admiration, respect and pure delight. Later on while we resumed our lunch the orcas were spotted from the dining room! How many people can say that they have seen orcas while having lunch? For our guests, the emotion and commotion of this sighting is comparable with the respect and love we now feel for the unparalleled Galápagos Islands. Wow! When this great sighting was finally over, we felt the thrill of discovery, the tonic of wildness and the magic of the Galápagos all marked inspiration deeply into our minds and spirits forever.
Our expedition around the Galápagos Islands continued today. A spectacular sunrise woke us up, unveiling the extraordinary landscapes of the western side of the archipelago. The impressive shield volcanoes surrounded us in a kind of magical and mysterious conjunction with blue waters and sky. The National Geographic Islander was slowly heading southwest and making its way across the equatorial line from the northern hemisphere to the southern hemisphere. We celebrated this special occasion with a rare visit from King Neptune himself and his court. Later in the morning, we went for a Zodiac ride along the coastline of Punta Vicente Roca. We spotted the amazing and huge ocean sunfish (Mola mola). Most of our visitors had the thrill of observing this huge fish for the first time in their lives. Endemic Galápagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, large marine iguanas, and endangered Pacific green sea turtles were admired as well. Just before lunch, many guests were snorkeling with the highly endangered Pacific sea turtles. This experience is by itself, unforgettable.
Just at lunch time a sighting caused commotion: orcas were spotted on the horizon. We saw very clearly the characteristic long fins of these marine mammals as they were passing by the ship. Right away with the aid of walkie-talkies, gestures and other signals, a great commotion was created. I made a general over the PA system announcing that we would put the Zodiacs once again in the water to go and see the orcas. Suddenly the reception was crowded with excitement, nobody wanted to miss this unusual opportunity. Some guests left behind their lunch, some came out of their shower; several crew members wanted to go as well. Our enthusiasm was at the top of the charts! We all headed to the place the marine mammals were spotted. A small pod of orca whales, consisting of two juveniles and a female were seen traveling cheerfully. The pod seemed to be playing! Carefully we observed them, respecting their privacy and keeping a prudential distance. On several occasions the orcas, filled with curiosity, came closer to the Zodiacs. Orca whales are not very common in the Galápagos; therefore we truly enjoyed this remarkable encounter. We had the unique chance to watch the spectacular displays the orcas were doing. The astounded orcas’ observers could not believe their eyes; they had one of the most beautiful whale species at such close range. Praising comments and expressions of joy were heard everywhere. The whole event produced a beautiful conjunction of admiration, respect and pure delight. Later on while we resumed our lunch the orcas were spotted from the dining room! How many people can say that they have seen orcas while having lunch? For our guests, the emotion and commotion of this sighting is comparable with the respect and love we now feel for the unparalleled Galápagos Islands. Wow! When this great sighting was finally over, we felt the thrill of discovery, the tonic of wildness and the magic of the Galápagos all marked inspiration deeply into our minds and spirits forever.
