Urvina Bay & Punta Moreno, Southern Isabela Island

There is wonderful magic floating in the air in these remote realms of the Galápagos archipelago. It is in fact, so intense that you can almost feel it. We woke up today surrounded by the enormous volcanoes of Isabela Island. Very early in the morning we went for a hike in a paradisiacal area known as Urbina Bay. This place is very famous for the extraordinary uplifting that occurred there as recent as 1954. Humongous underwater lava flows pushed up a big extension of the coastal bay area due to the strength of the nearby Alcedo volcano. As a product of this fascinating volcanic event, many marine critters were suddenly exposed to the air. It is still possible to see shells and barnacles attached or melted on the black lava rocks. Large white coral heads were also exposed and now have become living proof of how powerful Nature really is.

Despite the hot air temperatures and humidity we all had a great time. During our two and a half hour hike at Urbina Bay we could spot several bright yellow Galápagos land iguanas and the exuberant vegetation as well. After we were done with the morning hike, we came back onboard for a late breakfast and to get ready for the rest of the morning’s activities. Several of us went back to the beach and had a great time swimming and snorkeling there. Some guests just swam around the ship and some of the youngest guests on board had Zodiac driving lessons.

After lunch we disembarked on the young lava flows at Punta Moreno, located in the vicinity of Cerro Azul volcano. We had a couple of options to explore this remote location. The most adventurous guests went for a hike on a fascinating and challenging lava field. The rest went for Zodiac rides around the mangrove areas.

At the end of the day we were all happy, it is so rewarding to witness how our visitors this week react with sincere love to all the marvelous experiences that the Galápagos can evoke. The magic of the Galápagos has touched us once again!