Urbina Bay
The westernmost side of the Galápagos is surrounded by interesting landscapes that are the shield volcanoes that make oceanic archipelagos. As we started the walk we explored a platform which uplifted in 1954. This long coastline was uplifted 3.3 miles to a height of about 15 feet by the strong volcanic activity from Alcedo. Today this visitor site is known as Urbina Bay on Isabela Island. We had the opportunity to explore the area and found remains from marine organisms that were not able to get back in to the ocean as the coast of the island went up.
Along the trail we found a few land iguanas that were basking under the sun and in the shade of the vegetation along the trail. Some of our guests were very lucky and found a juvenile medium size female Galápagos giant tortoise hidden under the bushes.
In the afternoon, Punta Moreno was the place to explore. It is located between Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes. After exploring the lava flows, we came across a small group of oases. These natural brackish water ponds are formed with underwater filtration coming from the ocean, and can be found way in the interior lava flows. As we approached the oasis we noticed the presence of two greater flamingos sleeping on the lagoon. Hiding in the thick vegetation, common gallinules and a few ducks also caught our eyes.
We also went exploring the canals on shore and the tide pools by Zodiac. We found golden rays, eagle rays, sea turtles, baby sharks and a beautiful school of Galápagos shearwaters fishing in the area.
