Punta Vicente Roca & Fernandina Island
The light on the window of my cabin, just like a magical crack in the sky, woke me up today. I do have a lot of expectations, for every time we visit the western realms of the archipelago something great happens. This wonderful day we spent in these remote and idyllical locations did not let me down; it was a day filled with great sightings and spectacular landscapes.
Our Zodiac ride along the coastline of Ecuador Volcano in the area known as Punta Vicente Roca was impressive. We did not know where to put our sight, for the whole place was teeming with wildlife. Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, Pacific sea turtles, Noddy terns, Blue footed boobies, Frigate birds, Galápagos sea lions, Galápagos fur seals and much more made this morning’s ride one to remember. Not to mention the volcanic landscape.
In the afternoon we visited another piece of heaven on Earth, Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island. Visiting this place gives our guests an unforgettable impression, for they have the joy of walking around one of the most pristine islands of the world. Black lava flows merging with the deep blue ocean of the surroundings, and the cleanest sky you can imagine, made an artistic composition that looks more like a dream than reality. Green patches of vegetation confirmed that this rainy season has been finally at its normal standards this year. In recent years the rainy season has been mild, producing a series of relatively dry years.
Lots of playful Galápagos sea lions were seen either playing in the tidal pools or gracefully laying on the sandy areas. The small lava cactus forest was at its best today as well, for the light was almost perfect for photography. Hundreds of marine iguanas were seen all piled up all over. Many marine iguana females were busy digging their nesting holes.
At the end of the walk a tropical rain fell on the island, and we had a beautiful, strong and colorful rainbow. Our hearts beating with happiness and our minds replenished with wonderful memories were our companions on the way back to the ship. Another day in paradise!
