Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island
The landscapes of Ecuador Volcano, in northern Isabela Island, are certainly spectacular. After crossing the equator line whilst enjoying the totally new landscape of the young western volcanoes, we prepared for an exciting Zodiac ride along the dramatic cliffs of this semi-destroyed volcano. So many amazing species were awaiting us! Galapagos sea lions, fur sea lions, Nazca and blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigates… In a landslide area we could spot the dust dug up by the nesting female marine iguanas. Sea turtles of all sizes surrounded us. A couple of courting flightless cormorants were a delight to watch! We all enjoyed the different postures the marine iguanas adopt when sunbathing on the rocks. And suddenly, we were approached and surrounded by a pod of bottle-nosed dolphins, who allowed us to follow them for a little while, while showing off their graceful leaps out of the water. What a spectacular morning! Some of us tried for an encore, and joined the group of the snorkelers: myriad sea turtles, fishing pelicans, manta rays and swimming flightless cormorants were amongst the species spotted, all very close to us. Lunchtime came, and off we went, back on board the Polaris.
After a short navigation, the Polaris anchored at Punta Espinosa, Fernandina Island. From far away, the island does not look very appealing. We ventured to the visitor site, as we were keen to find some of its famous wildlife. We made our first encounters with several sea lion pups, patiently waiting for their mothers to come back from fishing. In the nearby sandy area, we could spot the heads of the female marine iguanas who were checking out the neighborhood, little by little it is getting more crowded with new nests. Near the coastline, a pod of dolphins could be easily seen, and they stayed around for a while. It was time for the flightless cormorants to dry their wings after a long day. We sat down to enjoy the peace that the place inspired us.
In the distance, the colorful patches of vegetation of the Isabela volcanoes, the bright blue sky and the golden sunrays allowed us all to feel the magic of the Galapagos Islands.
The landscapes of Ecuador Volcano, in northern Isabela Island, are certainly spectacular. After crossing the equator line whilst enjoying the totally new landscape of the young western volcanoes, we prepared for an exciting Zodiac ride along the dramatic cliffs of this semi-destroyed volcano. So many amazing species were awaiting us! Galapagos sea lions, fur sea lions, Nazca and blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigates… In a landslide area we could spot the dust dug up by the nesting female marine iguanas. Sea turtles of all sizes surrounded us. A couple of courting flightless cormorants were a delight to watch! We all enjoyed the different postures the marine iguanas adopt when sunbathing on the rocks. And suddenly, we were approached and surrounded by a pod of bottle-nosed dolphins, who allowed us to follow them for a little while, while showing off their graceful leaps out of the water. What a spectacular morning! Some of us tried for an encore, and joined the group of the snorkelers: myriad sea turtles, fishing pelicans, manta rays and swimming flightless cormorants were amongst the species spotted, all very close to us. Lunchtime came, and off we went, back on board the Polaris.
After a short navigation, the Polaris anchored at Punta Espinosa, Fernandina Island. From far away, the island does not look very appealing. We ventured to the visitor site, as we were keen to find some of its famous wildlife. We made our first encounters with several sea lion pups, patiently waiting for their mothers to come back from fishing. In the nearby sandy area, we could spot the heads of the female marine iguanas who were checking out the neighborhood, little by little it is getting more crowded with new nests. Near the coastline, a pod of dolphins could be easily seen, and they stayed around for a while. It was time for the flightless cormorants to dry their wings after a long day. We sat down to enjoy the peace that the place inspired us.
In the distance, the colorful patches of vegetation of the Isabela volcanoes, the bright blue sky and the golden sunrays allowed us all to feel the magic of the Galapagos Islands.
