Isabela and Fernandina Islands
We started early today with the circumnavigation of Roca Redonda. This is the tip of an eroded volcano that is home to thousands of marine birds. We also saw some bottle nose and striped dolphins in the vicinities of this majestic geological formation. As we approached these graceful animals, some leapt clear out of the water while some others decided to bow ride the Polaris. Later in the morning after crossing the Equator line, we enjoyed the spectacular landscape of Ecuador volcano. We took a Zodiac ride along the base of the spectacular red and black cliffs of Punta Vicente Roca. This is a very rich area due to the upwellings of Cromwell current. We observed many penguins swimming fast after little fish, sea turtles surfacing for a gulp of air, blue-footed boobies diving, enormous marine iguanas basking on the sun and a few other species of birds. Something special to mention was the bizarre-looking giant sunfish (Mola mola). We saw this gigantic fish species very clearly from the Zodiacs. After the Zodiac ride, some of our guests had the thrill to snorkel with Pacific sea turtles. Snorkelers had the time of their lives swimming amongst these endangered critters.
During the afternoon, we visited Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island. We had perfect weather conditions. It was partially cloudy with some sporadic sun rays illuminating the abundant wildlife found there. Countless marine iguanas, sea lions, and flightless cormorants on the lava shores of this amazing island were the delight of their observers. The Galápagos Archipelago constitutes the only place on earth where it is possible to see the flightless cormorant. We observed several of these rare birds along the shoreline. Large marine iguanas were basking in the sun everywhere. This is a very interesting time of the year to come to the Galápagos: marine iguanas have started to nest! What a great opportunity to see the first nests. A Galápagos hawk was observed eating a young marine iguana, a spectacular sighting indeed. In addition to the amazing wildlife, the volcanic features around Punta Espinoza are breathtaking. Huge lava flows merge in an artistic way with the blue ocean. A dramatic sunset took place behind the volcano on Fernandina Island casting wonderful combination of shades, colours and light. What a remarkable day!
We started early today with the circumnavigation of Roca Redonda. This is the tip of an eroded volcano that is home to thousands of marine birds. We also saw some bottle nose and striped dolphins in the vicinities of this majestic geological formation. As we approached these graceful animals, some leapt clear out of the water while some others decided to bow ride the Polaris. Later in the morning after crossing the Equator line, we enjoyed the spectacular landscape of Ecuador volcano. We took a Zodiac ride along the base of the spectacular red and black cliffs of Punta Vicente Roca. This is a very rich area due to the upwellings of Cromwell current. We observed many penguins swimming fast after little fish, sea turtles surfacing for a gulp of air, blue-footed boobies diving, enormous marine iguanas basking on the sun and a few other species of birds. Something special to mention was the bizarre-looking giant sunfish (Mola mola). We saw this gigantic fish species very clearly from the Zodiacs. After the Zodiac ride, some of our guests had the thrill to snorkel with Pacific sea turtles. Snorkelers had the time of their lives swimming amongst these endangered critters.
During the afternoon, we visited Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island. We had perfect weather conditions. It was partially cloudy with some sporadic sun rays illuminating the abundant wildlife found there. Countless marine iguanas, sea lions, and flightless cormorants on the lava shores of this amazing island were the delight of their observers. The Galápagos Archipelago constitutes the only place on earth where it is possible to see the flightless cormorant. We observed several of these rare birds along the shoreline. Large marine iguanas were basking in the sun everywhere. This is a very interesting time of the year to come to the Galápagos: marine iguanas have started to nest! What a great opportunity to see the first nests. A Galápagos hawk was observed eating a young marine iguana, a spectacular sighting indeed. In addition to the amazing wildlife, the volcanic features around Punta Espinoza are breathtaking. Huge lava flows merge in an artistic way with the blue ocean. A dramatic sunset took place behind the volcano on Fernandina Island casting wonderful combination of shades, colours and light. What a remarkable day!
