Isabela Island
During the 18th and 19th century, the Galapagos Archipelago used to be visited by pirates, buccaneers, whalers and lots of people who wanted to hide from the Spanish authorities. Some of these pirates and buccaneers came to divide their goods after stealing from the Spanish galleons. Due to their position in the Pacific Ocean, the islands became a mystery for many who tried to find them, those who dared to come this far described them as “Las Encantadas” (The Enchanted Islands).
What was all of the mystery about? Well, many early sailors claimed that just when they thought the islands were very close, they would mysteriously disappear behind a strange fog that seemingly crept up from nowhere, engulfing all landmass.
This fog was none other than “Garua”, a phenomenon particularly common during dry-cold season, mainly between the months of June to December, when the cold temperatures of the waters react with the warm air. This garua surrounds the islands with mist and they virtually disappear in front of the eyes of these adventurous sailors. The other reason the Galapagos were known as “The Enchanted Islands” was due to the strange creatures found here, and their odd appearance.
We experienced a little bit of the mystery of “Las Encantadas” in person today as we had some fog around the western area of Isabela, which lent the area a magical aura. This soon lifted, as we rode our Zodiacs through it, revealing before our unbelieving eyes many otherworldly creatures lining the shores. Among the most unexpected on the equator were the little penguins that posed to show us their own charms.
During the 18th and 19th century, the Galapagos Archipelago used to be visited by pirates, buccaneers, whalers and lots of people who wanted to hide from the Spanish authorities. Some of these pirates and buccaneers came to divide their goods after stealing from the Spanish galleons. Due to their position in the Pacific Ocean, the islands became a mystery for many who tried to find them, those who dared to come this far described them as “Las Encantadas” (The Enchanted Islands).
What was all of the mystery about? Well, many early sailors claimed that just when they thought the islands were very close, they would mysteriously disappear behind a strange fog that seemingly crept up from nowhere, engulfing all landmass.
This fog was none other than “Garua”, a phenomenon particularly common during dry-cold season, mainly between the months of June to December, when the cold temperatures of the waters react with the warm air. This garua surrounds the islands with mist and they virtually disappear in front of the eyes of these adventurous sailors. The other reason the Galapagos were known as “The Enchanted Islands” was due to the strange creatures found here, and their odd appearance.
We experienced a little bit of the mystery of “Las Encantadas” in person today as we had some fog around the western area of Isabela, which lent the area a magical aura. This soon lifted, as we rode our Zodiacs through it, revealing before our unbelieving eyes many otherworldly creatures lining the shores. Among the most unexpected on the equator were the little penguins that posed to show us their own charms.
