Isabela & Fernandina Islands
Today our day started with unexpected warmth in the air. It was 6:15am, and the sun was out. We were up on the teak deck with our binoculars in one hand and coffee mugs in the other. Whale watching was the mission to be accomplished.
A few spouts were seen on the horizon, but nothing close enough to be identified. The common dolphins gave us a show not to be forgotten, leaping out of the water and fishing near our ship. A healthy breakfast, a Zodiac ride, and a snorkel with Pacific green sea turtles filled our morning. Marine iguanas swam with us, as well as Galápagos penguins. All of these activities filled up our morning and made it very special.
During lunch we navigated towards Fernandina Island. The time of 3:30pm came all too soon after a quick siesta. We were taken to the dry landing on the lava fields of Fernandina Island. The marine iguanas coming back from their last meal were landing at the same time with us. It was a sight we had not experienced before. Everyone was excited to see them sneezing salt out of their noses and starting to pile up to go through the night.
Our day in paradise was completed with the courtship of the endemic flightless cormorants practically on our trail. The lava cactus was another new sight.
The ride back to our moving home was completed with a beautiful sunset and the spouting of whales on the horizon. What a breathtaking place Galápagos is; each day filled with new surprises!
