Isabela & Fernandina Islands
More then a hundred nautical miles; our longest navigation brings us to the western part of the archipelago, here is where nutrient rich waters from the abysms rise to the surface to bathe our coastline, a total different ecosystem which is surrounded by volcanoes and channels.
An early optional call was suggested to circumnavigate Roca Redonda, a small island which is far apart from larger interconnected masses. Here is where many seabirds and marine animals congregate to feed; as the sun rises there is action, larger fish from the bottom look up towards smaller fish, their intended prey. And so, with sporadic attacks this small school of fish is brought to the surface while seabirds take advantage of the unaware. This “all you can eat buffet” is served for a few hours. We spend some time to witness this act which is far from human wakefulness.
Our ship repositions while crossing the equator to Punta Vicente Roca; here is where we have the most memorable Zodiac ride: penguins, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, turtles, and the mysterious ocean sun fish. These were our highlights, all surrounded by volcanic ash and frozen lava formations of different kinds.
Back on board and ready for an unforgettable snorkeling outing bound by green pacific turtles, they were everywhere. What an experience.
Our next destination, Fernandina Island; there is only one visitor site here and today was our turn to visit it. The largest marine iguanas in the archipelago are found here. A very healthy nesting site of flightless cormorants, just to mention a few. Today we were regarded with animal behavior. Our guests are far beyond identifying animals, now we see animal conduct and we at least try to understand it. Coexistence is delightful.
A wonderful sunset marks the end of another majestic day, our expedition is about to reach its peak and we are so exited to see what the next day will bring.
More then a hundred nautical miles; our longest navigation brings us to the western part of the archipelago, here is where nutrient rich waters from the abysms rise to the surface to bathe our coastline, a total different ecosystem which is surrounded by volcanoes and channels.
An early optional call was suggested to circumnavigate Roca Redonda, a small island which is far apart from larger interconnected masses. Here is where many seabirds and marine animals congregate to feed; as the sun rises there is action, larger fish from the bottom look up towards smaller fish, their intended prey. And so, with sporadic attacks this small school of fish is brought to the surface while seabirds take advantage of the unaware. This “all you can eat buffet” is served for a few hours. We spend some time to witness this act which is far from human wakefulness.
Our ship repositions while crossing the equator to Punta Vicente Roca; here is where we have the most memorable Zodiac ride: penguins, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, turtles, and the mysterious ocean sun fish. These were our highlights, all surrounded by volcanic ash and frozen lava formations of different kinds.
Back on board and ready for an unforgettable snorkeling outing bound by green pacific turtles, they were everywhere. What an experience.
Our next destination, Fernandina Island; there is only one visitor site here and today was our turn to visit it. The largest marine iguanas in the archipelago are found here. A very healthy nesting site of flightless cormorants, just to mention a few. Today we were regarded with animal behavior. Our guests are far beyond identifying animals, now we see animal conduct and we at least try to understand it. Coexistence is delightful.
A wonderful sunset marks the end of another majestic day, our expedition is about to reach its peak and we are so exited to see what the next day will bring.
