The day started with early whale watching while navigating across the channel between Isabela and Fernandina islands. Soon, a small group of dolphins were spotted, and we had the chance to see their graceful jumps as they swam around us. After breakfast our first group departed to the island with the aim of walking over two miles on the uplifted shore at Urbina Bay. The trail at this site is covered with signs of marine life that once lived on these grounds. During the hike we found many Galapagos giant tortoises in the middle of the trail, sunning and posing in front of our cameras. Bright yellow land iguanas were also active this morning and displayed territorial behavior as they crossed from one side of trail to the other.
In the afternoon we sailed to the north in order to get to Tagus Cove. Unexpectedly, Fernandina volcano, which previously had volcanic activity, started expelling small dusky clouds of smoke. We kept close attention to anything that would signal more activity, but the giant volcano quieted again. Later we went snorkeling in the sheltered bay of Tagus Cove. It was a wonderful opportunity to swim with sea turtles, penguins and flightless cormorants (that became very interested in our group). Kayakers which also departed at the same time got to share this experience, but from above the water! The day ended with a beautiful sunset in between volcanic landscape.
