Isabela & Fernandina Islands
The time we spent today on these magical islands was amazing. We started with an early circumnavigation around Roca Redonda. This rocky outcrop is the tip of a large submerged volcano. The view of the rock surrounded by diverse marine bird species was incredible. A pod of common dolphins was spotted; we spend some time with the marine mammals. Then we gathered at bow of the ship to commemorate the crossing of the equatorial line. It is just about a second in our lifetimes but the ° 00” 0’ latitude image in the radar will remain in our minds forever. Later in the morning we disembarked in Punta Vicente Roca for a Zodiac cruise. The rich upwellings of the Cromwell current bring with it many nutrients. Pacific sea turtles, Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants and some other species were seen from the Zodiacs. In the afternoon, Fernandina Island showed us the generosity of the paradise we call Galápagos. Big groups of marine iguanas and the stunning volcanic landscape made our afternoon a highly successful one.
The National Geographic Polaris changed its regular course of navigation for a great sighting. We were going to the south with the intention to observe the volcanic eruption that was taking place in Cerro Azul on Isabela Island. I had the hope of finding the first indicators of volcanic activity. I was the first person onboard who saw a dim light flashing at night in the horizon. After an hour when the ship was closer we had a great surprise! Glowing orange colours were clearly seen in the darkness of the night. Immediately I gave the voice of alarm to any person aboard, in less than one minute everybody was looking at the horizon and finding the best location to enjoy this wonderful event. A volcanic eruption is an event that is not seen every day. For some people it is a once in a lifetime experience. At the moment I am writing these paragraphs we are still observing this wonderful nature show, the eruption of the Cerro Azul volcano. Am I dreaming? If that is the case please do not wake me up.
The time we spent today on these magical islands was amazing. We started with an early circumnavigation around Roca Redonda. This rocky outcrop is the tip of a large submerged volcano. The view of the rock surrounded by diverse marine bird species was incredible. A pod of common dolphins was spotted; we spend some time with the marine mammals. Then we gathered at bow of the ship to commemorate the crossing of the equatorial line. It is just about a second in our lifetimes but the ° 00” 0’ latitude image in the radar will remain in our minds forever. Later in the morning we disembarked in Punta Vicente Roca for a Zodiac cruise. The rich upwellings of the Cromwell current bring with it many nutrients. Pacific sea turtles, Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants and some other species were seen from the Zodiacs. In the afternoon, Fernandina Island showed us the generosity of the paradise we call Galápagos. Big groups of marine iguanas and the stunning volcanic landscape made our afternoon a highly successful one.
The National Geographic Polaris changed its regular course of navigation for a great sighting. We were going to the south with the intention to observe the volcanic eruption that was taking place in Cerro Azul on Isabela Island. I had the hope of finding the first indicators of volcanic activity. I was the first person onboard who saw a dim light flashing at night in the horizon. After an hour when the ship was closer we had a great surprise! Glowing orange colours were clearly seen in the darkness of the night. Immediately I gave the voice of alarm to any person aboard, in less than one minute everybody was looking at the horizon and finding the best location to enjoy this wonderful event. A volcanic eruption is an event that is not seen every day. For some people it is a once in a lifetime experience. At the moment I am writing these paragraphs we are still observing this wonderful nature show, the eruption of the Cerro Azul volcano. Am I dreaming? If that is the case please do not wake me up.
