Isabela & Fernandina Islands
We woke up early today with the voice of our Expedition Leader Carlos Romero announcing that we were approaching Roca Redonda. This rocky outcrop is the tip of a huge underwater volcano. Its base is estimated to be around 9.000 feet deep. Captain Fausto Hinojosa circumnavigated the rock a couple of times letting us appreciate the wild beauty of the place. A large amount of sea birds use this outcrop as their home.
Later on in the morning we crossed the Equator Line. We had a big group of guests at the bridge observing the instruments with the hope to witness the right moment while we crossed the line. After giving away official certificates to all the guests we headed to Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island. Our Zodiac ride around this location was highly successful for we spotted the two species of flightless sea birds found in the Galápagos Islands, Galápagos penguins and flightless cormorants. During the ride we saw many Pacific green sea turtles, some giant ocean sunfish (Mola mola), and other species like marine iguanas who are abundant in this area. Snorkeling was next; it was a great opportunity to explore the amazing underwater volcanic realms.
Later in the afternoon, the National Geographic Polaris was repositioned to Fernandina Island. This island is one the most pristine places not only on the archipelago but on our planet as well. We disembarked on Punta Espinoza. We were welcomed by one of the largest colonies of marine iguanas in Galápagos. Later in the afternoon while coming back onboard we observed from our Zodiacs a gorgeous sunset. Our wonderful day was coming to an end in paradise.
We woke up early today with the voice of our Expedition Leader Carlos Romero announcing that we were approaching Roca Redonda. This rocky outcrop is the tip of a huge underwater volcano. Its base is estimated to be around 9.000 feet deep. Captain Fausto Hinojosa circumnavigated the rock a couple of times letting us appreciate the wild beauty of the place. A large amount of sea birds use this outcrop as their home.
Later on in the morning we crossed the Equator Line. We had a big group of guests at the bridge observing the instruments with the hope to witness the right moment while we crossed the line. After giving away official certificates to all the guests we headed to Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island. Our Zodiac ride around this location was highly successful for we spotted the two species of flightless sea birds found in the Galápagos Islands, Galápagos penguins and flightless cormorants. During the ride we saw many Pacific green sea turtles, some giant ocean sunfish (Mola mola), and other species like marine iguanas who are abundant in this area. Snorkeling was next; it was a great opportunity to explore the amazing underwater volcanic realms.
Later in the afternoon, the National Geographic Polaris was repositioned to Fernandina Island. This island is one the most pristine places not only on the archipelago but on our planet as well. We disembarked on Punta Espinoza. We were welcomed by one of the largest colonies of marine iguanas in Galápagos. Later in the afternoon while coming back onboard we observed from our Zodiacs a gorgeous sunset. Our wonderful day was coming to an end in paradise.
