Isabela & Fernandina
The Galápagos waters are said to be one of the coldest spots along the equator. This is due to the influence cold-water bearing currents reaching this archipelago. The western islands, Isabela and Fernandina, receive the direct influence of the Equatorial Undercurrent, which up-wells here bringing nutrients from the bottom of the sea to the surface. Therefore, today we are before some dramatic coastal landscapes, modeled by wind and wave action, full of wildlife.
After dropping anchor at Punta Vicente Roca, northern Isabela Island, we set off to explore its shoreline by Zodiac. We were marveled by the presence of a singular bird, which one would not expect to see so near to the equator line: the Galápagos penguin. Due to the upwelling areas nearby we also expected to find deep water fish, like the odd-looking Mola mola or ocean sunfish, which made several appearances near the coast.
After our Zodiac ride, we decided to try our snorkeling skills in the deep waters off the coast of Punta Vicente Roca. Although due to the strong surf the waters were rather murky and a little cold, many of us were able to swim with Pacific green sea turtles and penguins. It was a truly touching experience.
Next on our expedition was a visit to Punta Espinosa, on Fernandina Island. This enormous shield volcano is still volcanically active, so we kept our hopes high and our fingers crossed for an eruption today!!! Well, it didn’t happen, although we could say that we experienced an explosion of life once we set foot on this island: countless marine iguanas covering the lava rocks, the very unique flightless cormorants performing their nest building, Galápagos sea lions interacting with each other, busy lava lizards hunting for food… Offshore in the distance we could observe several blue-footed boobies diving trying to catch some fish, while sea turtles were all around us.
For many, a visit to this remote corner of the Galápagos archipelago is like a leap back in time, making this an unforgettable experience.
The Galápagos waters are said to be one of the coldest spots along the equator. This is due to the influence cold-water bearing currents reaching this archipelago. The western islands, Isabela and Fernandina, receive the direct influence of the Equatorial Undercurrent, which up-wells here bringing nutrients from the bottom of the sea to the surface. Therefore, today we are before some dramatic coastal landscapes, modeled by wind and wave action, full of wildlife.
After dropping anchor at Punta Vicente Roca, northern Isabela Island, we set off to explore its shoreline by Zodiac. We were marveled by the presence of a singular bird, which one would not expect to see so near to the equator line: the Galápagos penguin. Due to the upwelling areas nearby we also expected to find deep water fish, like the odd-looking Mola mola or ocean sunfish, which made several appearances near the coast.
After our Zodiac ride, we decided to try our snorkeling skills in the deep waters off the coast of Punta Vicente Roca. Although due to the strong surf the waters were rather murky and a little cold, many of us were able to swim with Pacific green sea turtles and penguins. It was a truly touching experience.
Next on our expedition was a visit to Punta Espinosa, on Fernandina Island. This enormous shield volcano is still volcanically active, so we kept our hopes high and our fingers crossed for an eruption today!!! Well, it didn’t happen, although we could say that we experienced an explosion of life once we set foot on this island: countless marine iguanas covering the lava rocks, the very unique flightless cormorants performing their nest building, Galápagos sea lions interacting with each other, busy lava lizards hunting for food… Offshore in the distance we could observe several blue-footed boobies diving trying to catch some fish, while sea turtles were all around us.
For many, a visit to this remote corner of the Galápagos archipelago is like a leap back in time, making this an unforgettable experience.
