Fernandina Island
Today we have reached the western most islands of Isabela and Fernandina, where our guests delighted in the geology and marine mammals. Our Captain took us in the Polaris along the edge of Ecuador Volcano’s collapsed caldera. Here we enjoyed the view of a perfect cross-section of one of the main volcanoes that forms the largest island, Isabela.
The seas were calm, the ocean looked like a mirror, and it was pretty easy to spot green sea turtles and sea lions. This is the land of the second smallest penguin species in the world, and of course we found them, both in the morning and the afternoon outings.
Flightless cormorants, marine iguanas and fur seals crowded the rocks. My highlight, however, was to be sharing the water with turtles. It was a spectacular snorkeling outing. Cooler water, but rich in marine life. The western realm of the Galapagos is for many of us the most exciting place, where one can expect the unexpected. Several Bryde’s whales appeared and disappeared, and the most odd looking fish was abundantly spotted while we sailed this afternoon. Dozens of Mola mola fish (sunfish) showed their gigantic dorsal fins as you see in the picture, and right after them, hundreds of common dolphins appeared. We couldn’t ask for more!
Today we have reached the western most islands of Isabela and Fernandina, where our guests delighted in the geology and marine mammals. Our Captain took us in the Polaris along the edge of Ecuador Volcano’s collapsed caldera. Here we enjoyed the view of a perfect cross-section of one of the main volcanoes that forms the largest island, Isabela.
The seas were calm, the ocean looked like a mirror, and it was pretty easy to spot green sea turtles and sea lions. This is the land of the second smallest penguin species in the world, and of course we found them, both in the morning and the afternoon outings.
Flightless cormorants, marine iguanas and fur seals crowded the rocks. My highlight, however, was to be sharing the water with turtles. It was a spectacular snorkeling outing. Cooler water, but rich in marine life. The western realm of the Galapagos is for many of us the most exciting place, where one can expect the unexpected. Several Bryde’s whales appeared and disappeared, and the most odd looking fish was abundantly spotted while we sailed this afternoon. Dozens of Mola mola fish (sunfish) showed their gigantic dorsal fins as you see in the picture, and right after them, hundreds of common dolphins appeared. We couldn’t ask for more!
