Isabela and Fernandina Islands
The day started very early for most of us with some marine observation from the outer decks. While navigating we could see a nice volcanic landscape and wildlife such as seabirds and a huge group of dolphins very close to the ship!
Later in the morning after breakfast, we had our official crossing of the Equator. The celebration took place inside the breach by first watching the ship’s GPS and then we actually had a real equatorial line to cross.
Afterwards we headed towards Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island and did a Zodiac ride and deep water snorkeling. Both activities showed us a lot of wildlife. For the first time we encountered the two endemic flightless bird species of the Galápagos: the Galápagos penguin and the flightless cormorant. While snorkeling a great number of Pacific green sea turtles and sea lions were swimming with us; the visibility in the water was crystal clear, some of us also found marine iguanas feeding underwater.
In the afternoon after a wonderful lunch and a very informative photo talk, we landed at Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island; this paradise happens to be one of the most pristine islands in the world.
If feels like time stops while walking at this site. The wildlife is so abundant and so close to the trail. I strongly believe all of our guests fell under the enchanting spell of the island while on this hike, I have no words to describe the wonders of Fernandina; there were sea lions walking among us, marine iguanas resting all over on lava fields, active volcanoes surrounding us, and a white sandy trail colored by pink sea urchin spines.
After our hike we enjoyed a storybook sunset on our way back to National Geographic Islander, our home for the next days!
