Isabela & Fernandina Island

Our ship took us to the western side of the archipelago. Early in the morning we could see how dramatic the change was as we are now in the youngest islands. We woke up surrounded by huge shield volcanoes, calm waters and a little bit of mist which made the scenery even more special.

After crossing the equator line, and back again to the South Hemisphere, we boarded our Zodiacs to explore the shores of Isabela Island at Punta Vicente Roca. Just as we were sitting in the Zodiac the show started… a couple of feet away from us we could observed a Mola mola or ocean sun fish jumping out of the water. Sea turtles were all over the place. Sitting on the rocks of a very remarkable collapse we found some fur seals, the largest sub species of marine iguana and the two flightless birds of the islands, the Galápagos penguin and the Flightless Cormorant. Due to the nutrients of the waters coming with the upwelling of Cromwell current this area is one of the richest in marine life. We came back to get changed and ready for snorkeling with sea turtles.

At noon, as we were finishing with our lunch, we heard the great news: Spinner dolphins close to our ship! We all went to the sun deck to enjoy of these amazing creatures.

In the afternoon, we visited the youngest island of all, Fernandina. This island is a very special place because it is the most untouched island in the archipelago. Outside species have never been introduced to this island. We went for a walk on the pahoehoe lava on Punta Espinoza, where hundreds of marine iguanas live. Their mating season is starting so they are as active as can be. Males have changed their dark colors to a little red and green, and they are fighting for breeding zones.

We came back with sunset. The western side of the islands is pristine, calm; far away from the world… we all came back with a peaceful feeling.