Isabela Islands
We continued our expedition this week with an early circumnavigation around Roca Redonda. This fascinating volcanic formation is the top of a huge submerged volcano and is home for many seabirds. Later in the morning, we crossed the Equatorial line and then ventured along Ecuador volcano. The volcanic landscape in this area is spectacular. Shield volcanoes and young lava flows are seen everywhere. We went for a Zodiac ride along Punta Vicente Roca. This visitor site located in the northwestern part of Isabela Island was at its best today. Wonderful weather conditions and spectacular sightings provoked the joy and admiration of our guests. The outer slopes of Ecuador volcano are particularly very impressive. Along the shore line, there is a big tuff cone which is formed by compacted volcanic ash. This kind of volcanic formation is slowly eroded with the continuous action of different factors. Wind, rain, and the ocean waves shaped the layers in artistic ways. Several seabirds use the flat ledges of the tuff cone to roost. Blue footed boobies, Noddy terns, and brown pelicans were observed today.
During the ride, we observed many other animal species as well: Galápagos sea lions, fur seals, large marine iguanas and different species of seabirds. Two very large fish species, the manta ray (Manta hamiltoni) and the giant sun fish (Mola mola) impressed us with their humongous sizes. These fish were seen just few feet away from the Zodiacs. It is not easy to describe how fantastic it is to observe these big animals at such close range.
We continued our expedition this week with an early circumnavigation around Roca Redonda. This fascinating volcanic formation is the top of a huge submerged volcano and is home for many seabirds. Later in the morning, we crossed the Equatorial line and then ventured along Ecuador volcano. The volcanic landscape in this area is spectacular. Shield volcanoes and young lava flows are seen everywhere. We went for a Zodiac ride along Punta Vicente Roca. This visitor site located in the northwestern part of Isabela Island was at its best today. Wonderful weather conditions and spectacular sightings provoked the joy and admiration of our guests. The outer slopes of Ecuador volcano are particularly very impressive. Along the shore line, there is a big tuff cone which is formed by compacted volcanic ash. This kind of volcanic formation is slowly eroded with the continuous action of different factors. Wind, rain, and the ocean waves shaped the layers in artistic ways. Several seabirds use the flat ledges of the tuff cone to roost. Blue footed boobies, Noddy terns, and brown pelicans were observed today.
During the ride, we observed many other animal species as well: Galápagos sea lions, fur seals, large marine iguanas and different species of seabirds. Two very large fish species, the manta ray (Manta hamiltoni) and the giant sun fish (Mola mola) impressed us with their humongous sizes. These fish were seen just few feet away from the Zodiacs. It is not easy to describe how fantastic it is to observe these big animals at such close range.
