Today exploration took us to the youngest area of the archipelago, Isabela and Fernandina Islands. The best way to begin our Galapagos Islands adventure was in a pre-breakfast activity in order to find marine mammals along the coast of Volcan Wolf. It is a splendid landscape decorated by big shield volcanoes which dominate the view.
While navigating, the ocean had a big surprise ready for us- dozens of common dolphins swimming to the north. They were so close! Farther down south we had more surprises many sea birds displayed their flying skills for all the guests who woke up early.
The next adventure of the morning was a Zodiac ride along the cliffs of Punta Vicente Roca. The marvels of the Galapagos Islands were shown in a magnificent display of blue footed boobies resting on the cliffs, big marine iguanas sleeping, Galapagos penguins lying down on the rocks, and Pacific green sea turtles taking their heads out of the water. Unique volcanic structures found at this location were evidence of the magnificence of volcanic activity.
After a fun Zodiac ride it was time to get our gear ready for deep water snorkeling. As soon as we plunged the marvels of one of the biggest marine reserves in the world were revealed. There were colorful reef fish covering black lava rocks, diamond sting rays resting on the sandy sea floor, and a few Pacific green sea turtles swimming from one place to another.
In the afternoon exploration got even better with a hike into the lava fields of Punta Espinosa at Fernandina Island. Young lava flows welcomed us and hundreds of marine iguanas were the perfect companions for this fantastic adventure. At the end of the trail the island revealed its biggest surprise: flightless cormorants.
At the end of the adventure, the magic of the dry season made us realize it’s attraction with a perfect clear sky for a marvelous sunset. The west of the archipelago is a place full of surprises and today we experienced some of those wonders in the living paradise of the Galapagos Islands.
