Isabela Island
Isabela is the largest island in this archipelago. It is more than fifty percent of the total land mass and it has many highlights. This island is formed by five major volcanoes that a long time ago were separated islands. And, through the eons of time, successive lava flows joined these volcanoes together.
Early in the morning the National Geographic Islander anchored off Urbina Bay for a new day of explorations. All of us were really excited to go and pay a visit to the place. By 8:30 we headed to the shore for a long walk in search of wildlife… and, indeed, this place is teeming with animals of different kinds.
The first highlight of the place were marine iguanas. Then, as we explored the interior of the island, we met several large yellow land iguanas as well as a giant tortoise feeding on flowers underneath a blooming yellow cordia tree. After the long energetic walk we had time to enjoy the calm waters of Urbina Bay for swimming and snorkeling.
Late in the afternoon we anchored at Punta Moreno on the same island but further south. This time we had two options on our agenda. The first one was to explore the vast lava flows produced by the active volcanoes of Isabela; the second one was a nice smooth zodiac ride exploring the mangrove forests and the quiet lagoons that host a myriad of marine life such as sea turtles sharks and rays, just to mention a few.
At the end of the day, after we had explored all of this stunning landscape, we headed to the ship at sunset. We’re eagerly awaiting more to see tomorrow.
Isabela is the largest island in this archipelago. It is more than fifty percent of the total land mass and it has many highlights. This island is formed by five major volcanoes that a long time ago were separated islands. And, through the eons of time, successive lava flows joined these volcanoes together.
Early in the morning the National Geographic Islander anchored off Urbina Bay for a new day of explorations. All of us were really excited to go and pay a visit to the place. By 8:30 we headed to the shore for a long walk in search of wildlife… and, indeed, this place is teeming with animals of different kinds.
The first highlight of the place were marine iguanas. Then, as we explored the interior of the island, we met several large yellow land iguanas as well as a giant tortoise feeding on flowers underneath a blooming yellow cordia tree. After the long energetic walk we had time to enjoy the calm waters of Urbina Bay for swimming and snorkeling.
Late in the afternoon we anchored at Punta Moreno on the same island but further south. This time we had two options on our agenda. The first one was to explore the vast lava flows produced by the active volcanoes of Isabela; the second one was a nice smooth zodiac ride exploring the mangrove forests and the quiet lagoons that host a myriad of marine life such as sea turtles sharks and rays, just to mention a few.
At the end of the day, after we had explored all of this stunning landscape, we headed to the ship at sunset. We’re eagerly awaiting more to see tomorrow.
