Isabela & Fernandina Islands
Our expedition on the National Geographic Polaris took us today to the western side of this enchanted archipelago. Early in the morning we had the option to go to the bridge with our binoculars and our enthusiasm ready to start our search for wildlife. Between Isabela and Fernandina Islands there is a narrow channel named “Bolivar Channel”. The cold and rich waters of the Cromwell current bathe this channel. The upwelling of nutrients that the Cromwell current brings to this area gives us great hopes to find marine mammals. Cetaceans are attracted to this area by the profuse quantity of food. Just few minutes before breakfast we had good news; dolphins were spotted from the bridge. Some guests were pointing at the sea screaming: "Dolphins! Dolphins!" A general announcement was made and all of us hurried to see the acrobatic movements of a big pod of common dolphins. Many dolphins were leaping cheerfully out of the water just in front of the bow of our ship. The scenery was perfect and touching; huge young volcanoes surrounded us, the mist, the sea birds, and of course the marine mammals we all wanted to see.
After crossing the Equatorial line we arrived at Punta Vicente Roca where we took a Zodiac ride along the shoreline. Wildlife in this area is spectacular and diverse. Big marine iguanas basking in the sun, Galápagos sea lions, boobies, brown noddy terns, Galápagos penguins, and flightless cormorants were some of the animal species on the area. We observed at close range the bizarre-looking ocean sunfish (Mola mola). In the afternoon, after snorkeling with Pacific green turtles, we started navigating to Fernandina Island. At one point of the navigation we heard the engines stop and felt the ship slow its speed. We heard an announcement that our Expedition Leader Carlos Romero made: “A large group of pilot whales is swimming next to the National Geographic Polaris!" This sighting filled the atmosphere with excitement. The pangas were lowered down immediately. I can not find words to describe the feelings and excitement this encounter provoked. We were so intimately close to such wonderful and enigmatic animals. We spent almost an hour observing and photographing these beautiful marine mammals. Everyone was on the Zodiacs observing this fantastic event: our guests, Captain, onboard Doctor, Naturalists, Expedition Leader, Hotel Manager, Purser, and some Crew members. It is late in the evening but I can not sleep, I still have a wonderful feeling in my heart. All the exciting and unforgettable moments we lived today were so strong that I know we are not immersed in a dream, we are in Galápagos!
Our expedition on the National Geographic Polaris took us today to the western side of this enchanted archipelago. Early in the morning we had the option to go to the bridge with our binoculars and our enthusiasm ready to start our search for wildlife. Between Isabela and Fernandina Islands there is a narrow channel named “Bolivar Channel”. The cold and rich waters of the Cromwell current bathe this channel. The upwelling of nutrients that the Cromwell current brings to this area gives us great hopes to find marine mammals. Cetaceans are attracted to this area by the profuse quantity of food. Just few minutes before breakfast we had good news; dolphins were spotted from the bridge. Some guests were pointing at the sea screaming: "Dolphins! Dolphins!" A general announcement was made and all of us hurried to see the acrobatic movements of a big pod of common dolphins. Many dolphins were leaping cheerfully out of the water just in front of the bow of our ship. The scenery was perfect and touching; huge young volcanoes surrounded us, the mist, the sea birds, and of course the marine mammals we all wanted to see.
After crossing the Equatorial line we arrived at Punta Vicente Roca where we took a Zodiac ride along the shoreline. Wildlife in this area is spectacular and diverse. Big marine iguanas basking in the sun, Galápagos sea lions, boobies, brown noddy terns, Galápagos penguins, and flightless cormorants were some of the animal species on the area. We observed at close range the bizarre-looking ocean sunfish (Mola mola). In the afternoon, after snorkeling with Pacific green turtles, we started navigating to Fernandina Island. At one point of the navigation we heard the engines stop and felt the ship slow its speed. We heard an announcement that our Expedition Leader Carlos Romero made: “A large group of pilot whales is swimming next to the National Geographic Polaris!" This sighting filled the atmosphere with excitement. The pangas were lowered down immediately. I can not find words to describe the feelings and excitement this encounter provoked. We were so intimately close to such wonderful and enigmatic animals. We spent almost an hour observing and photographing these beautiful marine mammals. Everyone was on the Zodiacs observing this fantastic event: our guests, Captain, onboard Doctor, Naturalists, Expedition Leader, Hotel Manager, Purser, and some Crew members. It is late in the evening but I can not sleep, I still have a wonderful feeling in my heart. All the exciting and unforgettable moments we lived today were so strong that I know we are not immersed in a dream, we are in Galápagos!
