This morning we woke up in the northernmost region of Isabela Island. The cold water from northbound current rises to the surface at this location, bringing an abundance of nutrients, and this is why this region is home to the total population of the Galapagos flightless cormorants, as well as seventy percent of the total Galapagos penguin populations, and one of the largest pacific Green sea turtles aggregation as well. The marine iguanas here are also larger than specimens found in the rest of the archipelago. These are just a few of the amazing features of this corner of the Enchanted Archipelago.
This morning we witnessed an amazing phenomenon which is typical for this time of the year: as the water from ocean surface evaporates and encounters cold winds, which causes a condensation which is known as the inversion layer. For thirty minutes, most of the islands in the surrounding areas disappeared behind the clouds. This phenomenon is the reason that Galapagos is referred to as the Enchanted Archipelago, because the islands just disappear like magic.
This morning we had the privilege to disembark on Fernandina Island. This volcano is considered to be a pristine place, because it was never impacted by introduced animals, like the other islands have been. This landscape is completely black with little vegetation, because volcanic activity takes place from time to time. From a distance, it looks so barren and deserted, but as we got closer we could see that there were thousands of marine iguanas basking along the coast line. We also spotted Galapagos flightless cormorants, turtles, boobies, pelicans and migratory shore birds.
After two hours of navigation over lunchtime, we arrived to a new place known as Punta Vicente Roca. We offered two options, the first being a Zodiac ride along a dramatic geological formation, and the second being snorkeling. This visitor’s site is one of the best for observing turtles, penguins, cormorants, boobies, shear waters, terns and many other interesting species.
We finished our day crossing the equatorial line on board the National Geographic Endeavour, as a beautiful sunset lit up the horizon. Our journey will continue tomorrow, and we look forward to discovering more of the mysteries of the Enchanted Archipelago.
