Isabela and Fernandina Islands
Having the chance to come back week after week to this place is wonderful, every time it is like going back in time. Geology is really impressive, five main shield active volcanoes are found in this part of the Archipelago. The western volcanoes still have a peculiar shape, they look like inverted soup plates. If you compare these volcanoes with the ones found in the central part of the archipelago you will find big differences. The central volcanoes are very eroded by natural events such as wind, rain, wave action and many other factors of Mother Nature. In both cases though, most of their flanks are still in the process of colonization by pioneering species, which is very important for future plants and animals that may live here in the future.
This year so far has been very successful for finding and watching Cetaceans. Just in the last six weeks we have encountered large pods of short beak common dolphins, together with blue and tropical whales which are species that are not common in the Galápagos. Maybe this is a sign or an indicator that tells us these creatures are coming back. It was just like a dream when this magical archipelago was nicknamed the Enchanted Islands or when it was declared a sanctuary for whales in the seventies last century.
Zodiac rides along the coastline of Ecuador volcano were impressive as well. Blue-footed boobies were seen plunged diving, Pelicans, Galápagos penguins, cormorants, sea lions and many other species were everywhere. Later on, snorkeling with sea turtles was the golden finale to a spectacular morning.
Zodiacs were lifted and the National Geographic Islander sailed towards Fernandina Island for our afternoon activities. As soon as we set foot on this pristine island huge piles of marine iguanas were admired sunbathing along the coastline. Flightless cormorants were right in front of us, giving us the chance to have a better understanding of their interesting biological evolution. These fantastic bird species become great divers instead of fliers.
On our way back, with the sun setting in the west, another Bryde’s whale with its calf were spotted, an unforgettable farewell sign to our guests.
