Isabela & Fernandina Islands
Very early in the morning the National Geographic Polaris arrived to the western side of Isabela Island. We were able to witness a beautiful sunrise behind Ecuador volcano, the northernmost volcano of Isabela. As we approached our destination, some of us were lucky to see a large pod of common dolphins porpoising and jumping out of the water.
After breakfast we crossed the Equator line and we had an exceptional opportunity. We had all NOMADS together at the bow of the ship to have a group picture taken.
Around 9, we boarded the Zodiac fleet to go along the coastline of the volcano. On the Zodiac ride we saw the amazing geological formations, including some enormous dikes. We saw so many Pacific green back sea turtles that we lost track of them. On land there were some Flightless cormorants drying their wings. A curious juvenile came close to the Zodiacs to play with a short rope that was hanging from the sides. We were lucky to spot a few Galápagos penguins in the water and on land. Last but not least, we saw humongous marine iguanas basking on the rocks; it gave us an opportunity to perceive how big they can get.
And all of a sudden, we had an experience that was not planned nor expected. As we were coming back to the National Geographic Polaris, deckhand Carlos Figueroa, who was driving one of the Zodiacs, spotted the unexpected: whales!!! They were identified as Brydes’ whales, also known as tropical whales. Some were very close to the Zodiacs so were all able to take a good look at the cetaceans.
Snorkeling at Punta Vicente Roca was very beautiful. The water was not very clear but there were many Pacific see turtles and Harlequin wrasses; even a white tipped reef shark passed by. What a great way to cool down from the sunny morning.
After lunch, Expedition Leader Carlos Romero gave a fascinating talk about Charles Darwin and immediately afterwards we went for our visit to Fernandina Island, Punta Espinosa. We had a chance to see once more the largest marine iguanas of the archipelago, playful Galápagos sea lions, Flightless cormorants and Sally light foot crabs on top of the black lava. The crabs gave color to the rocky terrain.
And, after another stunning day in paradise, we had a spectacular sunset behind the summit of Fernandina Island.
Very early in the morning the National Geographic Polaris arrived to the western side of Isabela Island. We were able to witness a beautiful sunrise behind Ecuador volcano, the northernmost volcano of Isabela. As we approached our destination, some of us were lucky to see a large pod of common dolphins porpoising and jumping out of the water.
After breakfast we crossed the Equator line and we had an exceptional opportunity. We had all NOMADS together at the bow of the ship to have a group picture taken.
Around 9, we boarded the Zodiac fleet to go along the coastline of the volcano. On the Zodiac ride we saw the amazing geological formations, including some enormous dikes. We saw so many Pacific green back sea turtles that we lost track of them. On land there were some Flightless cormorants drying their wings. A curious juvenile came close to the Zodiacs to play with a short rope that was hanging from the sides. We were lucky to spot a few Galápagos penguins in the water and on land. Last but not least, we saw humongous marine iguanas basking on the rocks; it gave us an opportunity to perceive how big they can get.
And all of a sudden, we had an experience that was not planned nor expected. As we were coming back to the National Geographic Polaris, deckhand Carlos Figueroa, who was driving one of the Zodiacs, spotted the unexpected: whales!!! They were identified as Brydes’ whales, also known as tropical whales. Some were very close to the Zodiacs so were all able to take a good look at the cetaceans.
Snorkeling at Punta Vicente Roca was very beautiful. The water was not very clear but there were many Pacific see turtles and Harlequin wrasses; even a white tipped reef shark passed by. What a great way to cool down from the sunny morning.
After lunch, Expedition Leader Carlos Romero gave a fascinating talk about Charles Darwin and immediately afterwards we went for our visit to Fernandina Island, Punta Espinosa. We had a chance to see once more the largest marine iguanas of the archipelago, playful Galápagos sea lions, Flightless cormorants and Sally light foot crabs on top of the black lava. The crabs gave color to the rocky terrain.
And, after another stunning day in paradise, we had a spectacular sunset behind the summit of Fernandina Island.
