Urbina Bay & Punta Moreno, Southern Isabela Island
Today we anchored in Urbina Bay. This area is not only impressive for its wildlife, but in 1954 a well-known geological event took place here. Approximately one half square kilometers of the marine reef off the coast of Urbina was uplifted, by approximately 4 meters (13 feet)! The sea bed was exposed and many marine species were stranded. Evidence of this happening can still be found. Big coral heads inland were exceedingly interesting and deserved all the attention they received.
Avoiding the heat, we started our day with an early morning hike. We chose between a longer hike and a shorter hike. Both had the opportunity to observe the beautifully colored Galápagos land iguanas roaming their natural habitat. The exuberant green vegetation and the high humidity in the air, both typical characteristics of this time of the year, made an unparallel frame for the land iguanas we found along the trails. Back onboard we had a late breakfast and got ready for more activities. Some guests opted to go to the beach while others preferred to swim off the ship’s platform. The latter was very popular for it allowed us to cool down in the refreshing waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The afternoon found us at Punta Moreno, an idyllic location in southern Isabela Island. The options for the afternoon were a long hike over new lava flows or a Zodiac cruise along the coastline. The hikers appreciated the fantastic landscape of a volcanic scene that seemed frozen in time. Among the breathtaking black lava flows we found several little brackish lagoons that were an oasis of life for plants and animals. The Zodiac cruisers observed many endangered sea turtles and many flightless cormorants at a close range.
Our expedition this week is reaching its peak. The guests said their experiences could not get any better. We are succeeding in proving to them just how magical this enchanted archipelago is. However, the best remains yet to come.
Today we anchored in Urbina Bay. This area is not only impressive for its wildlife, but in 1954 a well-known geological event took place here. Approximately one half square kilometers of the marine reef off the coast of Urbina was uplifted, by approximately 4 meters (13 feet)! The sea bed was exposed and many marine species were stranded. Evidence of this happening can still be found. Big coral heads inland were exceedingly interesting and deserved all the attention they received.
Avoiding the heat, we started our day with an early morning hike. We chose between a longer hike and a shorter hike. Both had the opportunity to observe the beautifully colored Galápagos land iguanas roaming their natural habitat. The exuberant green vegetation and the high humidity in the air, both typical characteristics of this time of the year, made an unparallel frame for the land iguanas we found along the trails. Back onboard we had a late breakfast and got ready for more activities. Some guests opted to go to the beach while others preferred to swim off the ship’s platform. The latter was very popular for it allowed us to cool down in the refreshing waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The afternoon found us at Punta Moreno, an idyllic location in southern Isabela Island. The options for the afternoon were a long hike over new lava flows or a Zodiac cruise along the coastline. The hikers appreciated the fantastic landscape of a volcanic scene that seemed frozen in time. Among the breathtaking black lava flows we found several little brackish lagoons that were an oasis of life for plants and animals. The Zodiac cruisers observed many endangered sea turtles and many flightless cormorants at a close range.
Our expedition this week is reaching its peak. The guests said their experiences could not get any better. We are succeeding in proving to them just how magical this enchanted archipelago is. However, the best remains yet to come.
