Isabela and Fernandina Islands
The western side of the Galápagos Islands is the newest area of the archipelago. The majestic volcanoes of Isabela Island were our companions this morning in our search…whales and dolphins visit this area due to the rich waters of Cromwell Current. We couldn’t miss the opportunity! So early in the morning we went to the outer decks, binoculars in hand to look around…patiently…and our effort had its reward! We found common dolphins! The scene was perfect: the calm waters, the giant volcanoes and these charismatic marine mammals swimming close to us! This was just the beginning! Breakfast was ready…
Galápagos belongs to Ecuador, a beautiful country named after the equatorial line that crosses it! The Galápagos are cross by the equator as well, so after breakfast we celebrated our first time crossing the Ecuador line on board a ship! We all became shellbacks! King Neptune himself came to visit and gave us the permission to go back to the south! After this ceremony we went in our Zodiacs to explore the shores of Punta Vicente Roca Cove…sea turtles, penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and flightless cormorants were our highlights! And then we found them all in our snorkeling outing as well.
In the afternoon we changed locations and headed to the west…Fernandina Island, our jewel, the youngest and most pristine island! We hiked along a new lava flow to have very close encounters with hundreds of marine iguanas, Galápagos hawks, and sea lions.
Then it was cocktails on the outside decks to celebrate a successful outing! We all enjoyed the sunset while watching Fernandina Island with the colors of the sky and another day in Galápagos.
