Urvina Bay & Punta Moreno
On this morning we enjoyed a soft breeze upon our arrival to Urvina Bay. This was very encouraging since we know the place often gets so hot that it could be oppressive. Once we disembarked we had the pleasure of having low tide, which helped us have a great time exploring the coast line. Many discoveries were made along the shore. Shells, bones and other paraphernalia of organic things were to be found, and that early breeze was certainly welcome more than once.
Along the trail we had an encounter with two young giant tortoises resting in the shade of yellow cordia plants, and a land iguana that found shelter in a natural tent made of rocks. Many dragonflies were to be seen also. The entire area is green and humid, yet no annoying insects are to be found. But then, when we thought the fun was over, Cindy our Expedition Leader organized what was called a “mega swim”; swimming from the beach to the ship. One thousand yards was the challenge, and several joined the group without hesitation. It was exhilarating for all who made it and gave them the opportunity to have a different kind of communion with nature. Later on, lunch was expected and certainly appreciated.
The afternoon came soon and with it the visit to Punta Moreno. The place happened to be shocking from the beginning to the end. Immense lava flows, not older than two, maybe three hundred years still being incipiently populated by few plants. The sensation of being in a recently formed place is beyond description. The same happened with those who opted for a Zodiac ride. Exploring the small coves where dozen of turtles were resting and foraging, and seeing the outcropping rocks covered with cormorants and penguins and the water itself teeming with life was an awesome experience.
Today we entered a sanctuary surrounded by old mangrove trees, and while riding amidst their contorted aerial roots we witnessed a magnificent display of life. With this came a great lesson of how important it is to preserve these places; otherwise the price to pay will be too high.
On this morning we enjoyed a soft breeze upon our arrival to Urvina Bay. This was very encouraging since we know the place often gets so hot that it could be oppressive. Once we disembarked we had the pleasure of having low tide, which helped us have a great time exploring the coast line. Many discoveries were made along the shore. Shells, bones and other paraphernalia of organic things were to be found, and that early breeze was certainly welcome more than once.
Along the trail we had an encounter with two young giant tortoises resting in the shade of yellow cordia plants, and a land iguana that found shelter in a natural tent made of rocks. Many dragonflies were to be seen also. The entire area is green and humid, yet no annoying insects are to be found. But then, when we thought the fun was over, Cindy our Expedition Leader organized what was called a “mega swim”; swimming from the beach to the ship. One thousand yards was the challenge, and several joined the group without hesitation. It was exhilarating for all who made it and gave them the opportunity to have a different kind of communion with nature. Later on, lunch was expected and certainly appreciated.
The afternoon came soon and with it the visit to Punta Moreno. The place happened to be shocking from the beginning to the end. Immense lava flows, not older than two, maybe three hundred years still being incipiently populated by few plants. The sensation of being in a recently formed place is beyond description. The same happened with those who opted for a Zodiac ride. Exploring the small coves where dozen of turtles were resting and foraging, and seeing the outcropping rocks covered with cormorants and penguins and the water itself teeming with life was an awesome experience.
Today we entered a sanctuary surrounded by old mangrove trees, and while riding amidst their contorted aerial roots we witnessed a magnificent display of life. With this came a great lesson of how important it is to preserve these places; otherwise the price to pay will be too high.
