Isabela & Fernandina Islands
We started the day in one of the most spectacular places of the Galápagos Archipelago, northern Isabela Island. We began very early by circumnavigating Roca Redonda, the tip of an eroded volcano that is home to thousands of sea birds.
After crossing the Equator, we approached Ecuador Volcano. Out on deck, Tome Demere, geologist from the San Diego Museum of Natural History explained the area so everyone could appreciate the incredible landscape even more. Impressive shield volcanoes and young lava flows make up this particularly young island.
The National Geographic Polaris anchored in Punta Vicente Roca where we lowered Zodiacs to explore the area. We went on a search for Mola molas, (ocean sunfish) that gave us incredible views of this strange creature; more then five individuals warming up on the sun near the surface. We also had a great time with fur seals, penguins, flightless cormorants and pacific green sea turtles. Snorkeling was probably one of the most interesting experiences of the day… many of the species we saw during the Zodiac cruise were seen again, but this time under water.
In the afternoon we went for a long walk on Fernandina Island, the youngest and most pristine island in the Galápagos. The beauty of this place is difficult to describe: one shield volcano surrounded by young black lava flows upon which you can witness the early processes of life taking place. The lava cacti establishing themselves in the flows amazed our guests, realizing how fragile the early stages of life are.
At the end of our walk, most of the flightless cormorants and the marine iguanas were already going to bed as we walked back to the Zodiac for our ride to the ship.
We started the day in one of the most spectacular places of the Galápagos Archipelago, northern Isabela Island. We began very early by circumnavigating Roca Redonda, the tip of an eroded volcano that is home to thousands of sea birds.
After crossing the Equator, we approached Ecuador Volcano. Out on deck, Tome Demere, geologist from the San Diego Museum of Natural History explained the area so everyone could appreciate the incredible landscape even more. Impressive shield volcanoes and young lava flows make up this particularly young island.
The National Geographic Polaris anchored in Punta Vicente Roca where we lowered Zodiacs to explore the area. We went on a search for Mola molas, (ocean sunfish) that gave us incredible views of this strange creature; more then five individuals warming up on the sun near the surface. We also had a great time with fur seals, penguins, flightless cormorants and pacific green sea turtles. Snorkeling was probably one of the most interesting experiences of the day… many of the species we saw during the Zodiac cruise were seen again, but this time under water.
In the afternoon we went for a long walk on Fernandina Island, the youngest and most pristine island in the Galápagos. The beauty of this place is difficult to describe: one shield volcano surrounded by young black lava flows upon which you can witness the early processes of life taking place. The lava cacti establishing themselves in the flows amazed our guests, realizing how fragile the early stages of life are.
At the end of our walk, most of the flightless cormorants and the marine iguanas were already going to bed as we walked back to the Zodiac for our ride to the ship.
