Southern Isabela Island
The southern end of Isabela Island is one of the most intriguing realms we have had the privilege to visit during our expedition around the Galápagos Islands. Isabela Island is by far the largest one in the Galápagos archipelago. Isabela Island's surface area makes up over half the whole surface area of this enchanted group of islands.
We spent the morning exploring Urbina Bay, at the base of Alcedo volcano. This place is of great geological and historical interest. Approximately more than three miles of land were uplifted as much as twelve feet above the sea level back in 1954. This fabulous geological event was documented and reported by the passing ship that happened to be around when the upheaval occurred. This catastrophic but extraordinary event provoked that enormous pieces of coral, as well as many other marine organisms, were literally exposed to the air almost instantaneously. The two hiking options that we offered around Urbina Bay were highly successful. In both, we observed several colorful Galápagos land iguanas. After the hikes our bodies were certainly feeling the effects of the equatorial sun. A refreshing dip at the beach was appreciated by most of us and it certainly felt wonderful.
The afternoon found us anchored at our second destination of the day, Punta Moreno. For the more adventurous a “lava hike” across the prehistoric-looking black lava flows was a treat. The lava hikers had the rewarding experience of walking across the barren almost lifeless lava flows. By the end of the hike they were all feeling as if they just visited another planet! An idyllic Zodiac cruise along this rough coastline was a fabulous alternative for the hike. Galápagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, Galápagos sea lions, and flightless cormorants courting were admired at a close range from the Zodiacs. In both options the senses of discovery and solitude were felt at the most. A spectacular Thanksgiving dinner prepared by our talented and hard working kitchen staff and organized by our Hotel Manager, Alexa Neira, marked a golden finale for this unforgettable day we spent on one of the ultimate paradises on Earth, the Galápagos.
The southern end of Isabela Island is one of the most intriguing realms we have had the privilege to visit during our expedition around the Galápagos Islands. Isabela Island is by far the largest one in the Galápagos archipelago. Isabela Island's surface area makes up over half the whole surface area of this enchanted group of islands.
We spent the morning exploring Urbina Bay, at the base of Alcedo volcano. This place is of great geological and historical interest. Approximately more than three miles of land were uplifted as much as twelve feet above the sea level back in 1954. This fabulous geological event was documented and reported by the passing ship that happened to be around when the upheaval occurred. This catastrophic but extraordinary event provoked that enormous pieces of coral, as well as many other marine organisms, were literally exposed to the air almost instantaneously. The two hiking options that we offered around Urbina Bay were highly successful. In both, we observed several colorful Galápagos land iguanas. After the hikes our bodies were certainly feeling the effects of the equatorial sun. A refreshing dip at the beach was appreciated by most of us and it certainly felt wonderful.
The afternoon found us anchored at our second destination of the day, Punta Moreno. For the more adventurous a “lava hike” across the prehistoric-looking black lava flows was a treat. The lava hikers had the rewarding experience of walking across the barren almost lifeless lava flows. By the end of the hike they were all feeling as if they just visited another planet! An idyllic Zodiac cruise along this rough coastline was a fabulous alternative for the hike. Galápagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, Galápagos sea lions, and flightless cormorants courting were admired at a close range from the Zodiacs. In both options the senses of discovery and solitude were felt at the most. A spectacular Thanksgiving dinner prepared by our talented and hard working kitchen staff and organized by our Hotel Manager, Alexa Neira, marked a golden finale for this unforgettable day we spent on one of the ultimate paradises on Earth, the Galápagos.
