Isabela Island
Urbina Bay on Isabela Island was our destination this morning. We disembarked the National Geographic Islander early to walk atop the terrain that was uplifted in 1954. A small amount of climbing was involved, but a little challenge was worth the reward of seeing the giant heads of coral that came ashore during the uplift. On our way back to the ship not only did land iguanas appear on our trail, but we came across some of the endemic and native vegetation on the island as well. We spotted interesting plants such as the yellow cordia, Galápagos cotton and the poison apple.
After breakfast, we choose between staying on the beach, snorkeling or swimming from the ship. During our navigation to the southern side of the island, we enjoyed a lecture on Darwin by our Naturalist, Antonio Adrian.
In the afternoon, we arrived in Punta Moreno. The seasons are changing and we are nearing the end of the rainy season in Galápagos. This time of year the scenery appears mysterious and desolate. The mist was covering the top of the volcanoes, but we could still see miles of lava. As we walked we started finding little lagoons of brackish water in the middle of the lava. It was just like seeing an oasis in the middle of a dessert! Despite the lack of water this area possesses, vegetation does in fact still grow here. Different species of shore birds have found this place to be a nice living environment as well. We even found three flamingos in the muddy lagoon.
To end a perfect day we went on a Zodiac ride around the mangroves. These are ideal places to watch sea turtles and fish wonder the waters since they are far from predators.
Next destination the southern side of the archipelago!
Urbina Bay on Isabela Island was our destination this morning. We disembarked the National Geographic Islander early to walk atop the terrain that was uplifted in 1954. A small amount of climbing was involved, but a little challenge was worth the reward of seeing the giant heads of coral that came ashore during the uplift. On our way back to the ship not only did land iguanas appear on our trail, but we came across some of the endemic and native vegetation on the island as well. We spotted interesting plants such as the yellow cordia, Galápagos cotton and the poison apple.
After breakfast, we choose between staying on the beach, snorkeling or swimming from the ship. During our navigation to the southern side of the island, we enjoyed a lecture on Darwin by our Naturalist, Antonio Adrian.
In the afternoon, we arrived in Punta Moreno. The seasons are changing and we are nearing the end of the rainy season in Galápagos. This time of year the scenery appears mysterious and desolate. The mist was covering the top of the volcanoes, but we could still see miles of lava. As we walked we started finding little lagoons of brackish water in the middle of the lava. It was just like seeing an oasis in the middle of a dessert! Despite the lack of water this area possesses, vegetation does in fact still grow here. Different species of shore birds have found this place to be a nice living environment as well. We even found three flamingos in the muddy lagoon.
To end a perfect day we went on a Zodiac ride around the mangroves. These are ideal places to watch sea turtles and fish wonder the waters since they are far from predators.
Next destination the southern side of the archipelago!
