Punta Vicente Roca and Fernandina Island
The National Geographic Islander’s Captain navigated towards the northern part of the seahorse-shaped Isabela Island during calm seas, and there was even a soft breeze to greet us on deck while we looked at the many volcanoes holding Isabela together. Storm petrels circled our vessel while Galápagos shearwaters skimmed the ocean and boobies fished nearby – it was a wonderful day to cross the equator.
We took a Zodiac ride along the titanic cliffs surrounding the cove at Punta Vicente Roca. A myriad of geological features taxed our imaginations to explain how the eruptions built the island. We also had the opportunity to see the most elegant Galápagos penguin, plus a sweet and cute sea lion, and some pre-historic looking marine iguanas—all on a same rock. It was as if these enchanting islands had put together a masterpiece of nature from different backgrounds on a single rock that displayed their harmony. In the background, about 50 blue footed boobies splashed into the water on synchronized dive-bombing fishing trip.
Wow! No words can adequately describe the beauty of these wildlife sightings.
We then turned our attention to the underwater world, which was extremely active. Sea turtles of all sizes were feeding and resting, and big schools of king angelfish, and even some tiger sharks were spotted. But, of course, it’s always the playful sea lions and their antics that most captivated us.
National Geographic Islander hauled anchor and began our voyage to Fernandina. In the calm waters between islands we encountered a pod of tropical whales and some orcas, also known as killer whales (though they’re really dolphins). We also saw a group of females and their calves swimming within the Bolivar Canal (between Fernandina and Isabela). With the volcanic scenery of Isabela behind them, the whales looked both prehistoric and vibrant!
Fernandina is magical. The largest of the marine iguanas are found here. There are also cormorants nesting areas, Galápagos hawks, great tide pools holding sea lions and some sea turtles – all of them around the most active volcano in the archipelago. Walking here is like being transported back in time.
To touch a place this pristine is breathtaking and spiritual. A day of wonders and dreams came true today! These islands are a picture of purity and innocence of nature in its most fragile stage.
