Isabela & Fernandina Islands
The Galápagos Islands are considered to be one of the ultimate paradises on Earth. Today these enchanted islands proved to us that this statement is a comforting reality. The combination of wilderness, natural beauty and isolation of these realms provoke the admiration of their observers.
Our expedition started early this morning circumnavigating Roca Redonda. This rocky outcrop in the middle of nowhere is home for many marine bird species. After a visit from King Neptune and his companions while cruising the Equator line, we headed to the southwestern coastline of Isabela Island to a place known as Punta Vicente Roca. A Zodiac cruise allowed us to experience first hand the abundant wildlife present around this area. Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants and the magnificent giant sunfish (Mola mola) were spotted from the Zodiacs. Snorkelling in this location is superb for we had the unusual opportunity to swim with Pacific green sea turtles. What an amazing feeling to be able to share a magical moment of space and time with such endangered critters.
In the afternoon, after a well-deserved lunch and a talk about the famous naturalist Charles Darwin, we went for a walk on Fernandina Island. The beautiful, breathtaking volcanic landscapes of this paradisiacal island constitute an extraordinary setting where exotic animal species carry on with their lives. Marine iguanas by the hundreds are found in this place. In a way the iguanas’ dark coloration merges with the black lava flows that are a trademark of the areas they peacefully bask in. A strange and encouraging sensation that makes you feel you have gone back in time fills your heart while observing the surrounding landscapes. Both a soft light and a cool breeze accompanied us during this outing. A wonderful combination of a sensation of discovery and amazement overcame us today. Reluctantly we came back on board with the last rays of light, dreaming about how good it can feel to have the privilege to be in such a mind-boggling destination as the Galápagos!
The Galápagos Islands are considered to be one of the ultimate paradises on Earth. Today these enchanted islands proved to us that this statement is a comforting reality. The combination of wilderness, natural beauty and isolation of these realms provoke the admiration of their observers.
Our expedition started early this morning circumnavigating Roca Redonda. This rocky outcrop in the middle of nowhere is home for many marine bird species. After a visit from King Neptune and his companions while cruising the Equator line, we headed to the southwestern coastline of Isabela Island to a place known as Punta Vicente Roca. A Zodiac cruise allowed us to experience first hand the abundant wildlife present around this area. Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants and the magnificent giant sunfish (Mola mola) were spotted from the Zodiacs. Snorkelling in this location is superb for we had the unusual opportunity to swim with Pacific green sea turtles. What an amazing feeling to be able to share a magical moment of space and time with such endangered critters.
In the afternoon, after a well-deserved lunch and a talk about the famous naturalist Charles Darwin, we went for a walk on Fernandina Island. The beautiful, breathtaking volcanic landscapes of this paradisiacal island constitute an extraordinary setting where exotic animal species carry on with their lives. Marine iguanas by the hundreds are found in this place. In a way the iguanas’ dark coloration merges with the black lava flows that are a trademark of the areas they peacefully bask in. A strange and encouraging sensation that makes you feel you have gone back in time fills your heart while observing the surrounding landscapes. Both a soft light and a cool breeze accompanied us during this outing. A wonderful combination of a sensation of discovery and amazement overcame us today. Reluctantly we came back on board with the last rays of light, dreaming about how good it can feel to have the privilege to be in such a mind-boggling destination as the Galápagos!
