Isabela & Fernandina Island
As soon as the sun was rising in the Pacific Ocean, we began our day watching a pod of common dolphins feeding all over. We also spotted manta rays and lots of Mola mola fish, Pacific Ocean sunfish, as we were crossing the Equatorial line.
We continued with our navigation, exploring the northernmost tip of the largest Island, Isabela. The geology in this part of the archipelago is really impressive because it is the youngest area in Galápagos, and that is the main reason we have volcanic activity from time to time. Isabela and Fernandina are still in the process of eruption. To walk over lava fields is like going back in time where the first pioneering species started to colonize little by little. With fresh lava flows, not much vegetation and not many beaches, we see strong evidence of its recent volcanic formation.
As soon as we anchored the National Geographic Islander we went out to explore the coast line, but this time from our Zodiacs. We had an amazing experience observing marine iguanas, twelve Pacific Ocean sun fish, turtles, Galápagos sea lions, penguins, flightless cormorants, two blue whales and many sea birds. During our last morning activity we had water activities in the same location. Turtles, penguins, seas lions and many beautiful colorful fish found in this area were seen by our guests. This was a very intense morning that resulted in very happy faces for the rest of the day.
By the afternoon we disembarked on Fernandina Island with one mission to accomplish: to see the largest colony and biggest marine iguanas found in Galápagos. These iguanas are only found in the western part of the archipelago. The main reason for this is the cold upwelling and the abundance of green algae which is the main food for them. The coastline of Espinoza point is one of the best at low tide. And this afternoon was perfect: very colorful sally light foot crabs and marine iguanas contrasted with the color of the algae and barnacles attach to the rocks. What a day to remember forever.
