Isabela & Fernandina Islands
We started our day early, navigating along the spectacular coastline of Isabela Island. The volcanic formations we saw were extraordinary. Volcanic activity in these areas have remained constant. Some of the dark lava flows around the slopes of the volcanoes are only a few hundred years old. Isabela Island, with its six volcanoes, is one of the most active islands in Galápagos. Approximately one month ago we witnessed an eruption in Cerro Azul volcano.
After crossing the Equatorial line we anchored in a peaceful bay called Punta Vicente Roca. It is the most southeastern point of Isabela Island. This was where our expedition continued with an extended Zodiac cruise along the high external walls of Ecuador volcano. Wildlife around this area proved to be exuberant. Numerous Pacific green sea turtles were spotted as well as some endemic Galápagos penguins and flightless cormorants. After our successful Zodiac ride we came back onboard to grab snorkeling gear. We literally jumped off the Zodiacs with the hope to encounter some of the critters we saw earlier in the day. The water was crystal clear and calm, providing us with a spectacular snorkeling outing. On our way to Fernandina just after lunch we had the thrill of observing a large pod of cheerful common dolphins.
In the afternoon we visited the youngest island in Galápagos, Fernandina Island. It is famous for harboring some of the largest marine iguana colonies in the archipelago. Some iguanas can reach close to three feet in length from head to tail. After watching the marine iguanas we observed some flightless cormorants. We walked over impressive lava fields that led us to tidal pools where we saw different kinds of fish and invertebrate. The panorama in Fernandina was fantastic today. All of us had a great time exploring the island's shore. We returned onboard accompanied by a gorgeous sunset.
We started our day early, navigating along the spectacular coastline of Isabela Island. The volcanic formations we saw were extraordinary. Volcanic activity in these areas have remained constant. Some of the dark lava flows around the slopes of the volcanoes are only a few hundred years old. Isabela Island, with its six volcanoes, is one of the most active islands in Galápagos. Approximately one month ago we witnessed an eruption in Cerro Azul volcano.
After crossing the Equatorial line we anchored in a peaceful bay called Punta Vicente Roca. It is the most southeastern point of Isabela Island. This was where our expedition continued with an extended Zodiac cruise along the high external walls of Ecuador volcano. Wildlife around this area proved to be exuberant. Numerous Pacific green sea turtles were spotted as well as some endemic Galápagos penguins and flightless cormorants. After our successful Zodiac ride we came back onboard to grab snorkeling gear. We literally jumped off the Zodiacs with the hope to encounter some of the critters we saw earlier in the day. The water was crystal clear and calm, providing us with a spectacular snorkeling outing. On our way to Fernandina just after lunch we had the thrill of observing a large pod of cheerful common dolphins.
In the afternoon we visited the youngest island in Galápagos, Fernandina Island. It is famous for harboring some of the largest marine iguana colonies in the archipelago. Some iguanas can reach close to three feet in length from head to tail. After watching the marine iguanas we observed some flightless cormorants. We walked over impressive lava fields that led us to tidal pools where we saw different kinds of fish and invertebrate. The panorama in Fernandina was fantastic today. All of us had a great time exploring the island's shore. We returned onboard accompanied by a gorgeous sunset.
