Fernandina and Isabela Islands
Every single day in the marvelous Galapagos Islands is truly very special. The beauty, the remoteness and the uniqueness of the flora and fauna of the archipelago never stop to marvel its visitors. Some days, like the one we had today, are not only special but extraordinary! Today was a day that we will remember for a long time. What made this day one to be remembered? If I try to make a list, it will occupy several pages; therefore I will try to give you a short summary of one of the best days I have had in the Galapagos in many years.
Early in the morning we woke up with excited call: WHALES! We observed a couple of Brydes’ whales. We were extremely happy; cetacean sightings are always unexpected and carry a high dose of adrenaline. During the morning we were exploring Fernadina Island from our Zodiacs and walking. Galapagos penguins and flightless cormorants, both emblematic endemic bird species were favorites for many. One young cormorant was even playing tug of war with the ropes of the Zodiacs and their occupants. A Galapagos hawk was perching for eternal precious minutes on a branch. The bird was a perfect model for its astounded observers. Just as we were coming back on board, a big pod of bottle nosed dolphins were spotted. Immediately we went to see them from the Zodiacs. The playful dolphins were bow riding with us. Later in the morning, some of us went snorkeling; many saw penguins swimming just a few feet away. Once we were back on board and having lunch another call: DOLPHINS! These were a different species. A very big pod of common dolphins appeared on our stage. Acrobatic and cheerful, these marine mammals made us yell with joy.
Just minutes later there was yet another announcement: WHALES again! This time we observed a whale breaching! And not only once, but several times! Breaching whales in the Galapagos is an uncommon event. At this point, we were so excited that we believed we might be dreaming. But the best was still yet to come.
ORCAS! A group of six of them, including two big males were causing excited commotion. Impressive sightings followed one after another. Several giant ocean sunfish were seen. These odd-looking fish are enormous; they can reach a record size of ten feet in diameter. A big hammerhead shark was cruising by the Polaris just at the moment we were crossing the Equatorial line. Colorful, fast fish were spotted. They were identified right away as the colorful dolphin fish or mahi mahi. During the entire time we observed these amazing sightings, praises and comments of appreciation were heard all about the ship. Our spirits were filled with the thrill of being witnesses of an extraordinary day in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Every single day in the marvelous Galapagos Islands is truly very special. The beauty, the remoteness and the uniqueness of the flora and fauna of the archipelago never stop to marvel its visitors. Some days, like the one we had today, are not only special but extraordinary! Today was a day that we will remember for a long time. What made this day one to be remembered? If I try to make a list, it will occupy several pages; therefore I will try to give you a short summary of one of the best days I have had in the Galapagos in many years.
Early in the morning we woke up with excited call: WHALES! We observed a couple of Brydes’ whales. We were extremely happy; cetacean sightings are always unexpected and carry a high dose of adrenaline. During the morning we were exploring Fernadina Island from our Zodiacs and walking. Galapagos penguins and flightless cormorants, both emblematic endemic bird species were favorites for many. One young cormorant was even playing tug of war with the ropes of the Zodiacs and their occupants. A Galapagos hawk was perching for eternal precious minutes on a branch. The bird was a perfect model for its astounded observers. Just as we were coming back on board, a big pod of bottle nosed dolphins were spotted. Immediately we went to see them from the Zodiacs. The playful dolphins were bow riding with us. Later in the morning, some of us went snorkeling; many saw penguins swimming just a few feet away. Once we were back on board and having lunch another call: DOLPHINS! These were a different species. A very big pod of common dolphins appeared on our stage. Acrobatic and cheerful, these marine mammals made us yell with joy.
Just minutes later there was yet another announcement: WHALES again! This time we observed a whale breaching! And not only once, but several times! Breaching whales in the Galapagos is an uncommon event. At this point, we were so excited that we believed we might be dreaming. But the best was still yet to come.
ORCAS! A group of six of them, including two big males were causing excited commotion. Impressive sightings followed one after another. Several giant ocean sunfish were seen. These odd-looking fish are enormous; they can reach a record size of ten feet in diameter. A big hammerhead shark was cruising by the Polaris just at the moment we were crossing the Equatorial line. Colorful, fast fish were spotted. They were identified right away as the colorful dolphin fish or mahi mahi. During the entire time we observed these amazing sightings, praises and comments of appreciation were heard all about the ship. Our spirits were filled with the thrill of being witnesses of an extraordinary day in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
