Southern Isabela
Early in the morning we arrived to Urbina Bay on Isabela Island. After breakfast we disembarked on an uplifted area. Back in 1954 the strong volcanic activity from Alcedo volcano pushed a large area to the surface. Vestiges of this event can still be seen today, we find coral, shells, sea urchins and sand dollars all over the place.
We were incredibly lucky and encounter a young Galápagos giant tortoise walking in front of us right on the path. We had no option but to follow this tortoise and wait for it to go under the bushes before we could go anywhere. We were marveled by the number of land iguanas and the bright yellow color of the skin of the males. There was one especially bright in color that shook its head to us several times before it went back in its territory.
After exploring the different territories we returned to the shore for a well deserved swim in the refreshing waters of Urbina bay, it was just the perfect way to end our morning. We left this area and navigated towards Punta Moreno. This is one of the most interesting places with the most dramatic coastline. The immensity of the lava flow and the persistence of life to establish in such an inhospitable place made a big impression in our minds. Some of our guests went walking; others went on a Zodiac ride. There, sea turtles, large marine iguanas and Galápagos flightless cormorants find a spot to nest, rest or to live. We found the place an extravagance of nature, where penguins and cactus can be seen side by side.
We returned aboard while the rain started to come our way.
