Isabela & Fernandina Islands
What a wonderful day!
Early in the morning our guests had the opportunity to enjoy the view of a small pod of orca whales, while navigating towards the equator line. We were also surrounded by volcanoes and the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, what else can we ask for?
Soon after breakfast we found the answer to that question. We first met at the bridge to celebrate the crossing of zero latitude towards the southern hemisphere. Captain Pablo Garces anchored close to an impressive cliff that would become the host for our visit today. Punta Vicente Roca is a visitor site located at the northern part of the largest island in the Galápagos, Isabela Island. Our pangas were deployed for us to explore this wonderful coastline; soon after boarding, we spotted an enigmatic sea-creature, the ocean sun fish or Mola mola. Its dorsal fin partially emerged and it was clearly identified by our naturalist. Sure enough, its size was overwhelming and it does not matter how many pictures you’d seen or how many books you’d read, nothing compares to the feeling experiencing one of them up close!
Back on board we were greeted by our hotel staff with a typical Ecuadorian buffet. A succulent array of flavors and colors were carefully arranged for us to taste and enjoy.
As the Islander repositioned to Fernandina Island, a very well put together presentation about birds took place in the lounge, presented by our National Geographic Expert on board Kitty Coley.
Fernandina Island is not just famous for its biogeography but also by its geology features. This island presents a mystifying array of “frozen” lava flows and a majestic volcano known as “La Cumbre.”
Soon after disembarkation, we noticed the intricate black lava rocks merging with the native and endemic wildlife. Marine iguanas, Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, lava lizards, and snakes are just some examples of the sightings. Their behavior and willingness to coexist in peace, made us feel like they really welcomed us to their island. As we kept our stroll along the coastline, we encountered many more species: sally light foot crabs, all kinds of shore birds and sea lions, of course! To top it all off, a colorful sunset made us appreciate this wonderful paradise on earth even more.
What a wonderful day!
Early in the morning our guests had the opportunity to enjoy the view of a small pod of orca whales, while navigating towards the equator line. We were also surrounded by volcanoes and the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, what else can we ask for?
Soon after breakfast we found the answer to that question. We first met at the bridge to celebrate the crossing of zero latitude towards the southern hemisphere. Captain Pablo Garces anchored close to an impressive cliff that would become the host for our visit today. Punta Vicente Roca is a visitor site located at the northern part of the largest island in the Galápagos, Isabela Island. Our pangas were deployed for us to explore this wonderful coastline; soon after boarding, we spotted an enigmatic sea-creature, the ocean sun fish or Mola mola. Its dorsal fin partially emerged and it was clearly identified by our naturalist. Sure enough, its size was overwhelming and it does not matter how many pictures you’d seen or how many books you’d read, nothing compares to the feeling experiencing one of them up close!
Back on board we were greeted by our hotel staff with a typical Ecuadorian buffet. A succulent array of flavors and colors were carefully arranged for us to taste and enjoy.
As the Islander repositioned to Fernandina Island, a very well put together presentation about birds took place in the lounge, presented by our National Geographic Expert on board Kitty Coley.
Fernandina Island is not just famous for its biogeography but also by its geology features. This island presents a mystifying array of “frozen” lava flows and a majestic volcano known as “La Cumbre.”
Soon after disembarkation, we noticed the intricate black lava rocks merging with the native and endemic wildlife. Marine iguanas, Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, lava lizards, and snakes are just some examples of the sightings. Their behavior and willingness to coexist in peace, made us feel like they really welcomed us to their island. As we kept our stroll along the coastline, we encountered many more species: sally light foot crabs, all kinds of shore birds and sea lions, of course! To top it all off, a colorful sunset made us appreciate this wonderful paradise on earth even more.
