Isabela and Fernandina Islands
An amazing combination of wildlife, volcanic scenes and remoteness make this part of the archipelago spectacular. We started early in the morning with a circumnavigation of Roca Redonda. We observed there hundreds of sea birds and we were lucky to find several dolphins, bottle-nosed, and perhaps common dolphins as well. After breakfast we crossed the equatorial line. It was a great occasion for our youngest guests to meet King Neptune. He came on board accompanied by several pirates claiming revenge for crossing the Equator line without his permission. Later in the morning we took a Zodiac ride along the coastline of Ecuador volcano. We admired the beauty of the volcanic setting and its inhabitants. Just before anchoring we spotted some whale blows in the distance. We identified the cetaceans as Bryde’s whales. The huge giant sunfish (Mola mola) were seen at very close range from the Zodiacs. This fish can reach enormous size and its appearance is rather odd. It looks just like a giant pancake with two long fins, its tail is scalloped and seems like it has been bitten off. Snorkeling with sea turtles was next. This was an experience that was qualified by our guests as exceptional. Clear waters allowed close observation of these incredible reptiles.
In the afternoon we visited Fernandina Island, which is by far my favorite one. Fernandina is the youngest island of the Galápagos archipelago. It is estimated to be only 300 thousand years old, and according to some authorities it could be even younger than that. Due to its pristine conditions this island is considered to be the jewel on the crown of this enchanted archipelago. Spectacular young black lava flows cover most of the island. Mangroves and lava cacti add some color to the dark lava fields. The surrounding blue ocean and the beautiful sky were perfect complements today to the most magnificent natural setting you can imagine. Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants and large groups of marine iguanas make this island their home. Galápagos sea lion pups were a real delight today. These cute babies were playing without showing any concern of their astonished observers. At the end of the day we came back on board with high spirits and willing to share our experiences with our fellow travelers. We can hardly wait to see what new exciting experiences tomorrow will bring to our expedition this week.
An amazing combination of wildlife, volcanic scenes and remoteness make this part of the archipelago spectacular. We started early in the morning with a circumnavigation of Roca Redonda. We observed there hundreds of sea birds and we were lucky to find several dolphins, bottle-nosed, and perhaps common dolphins as well. After breakfast we crossed the equatorial line. It was a great occasion for our youngest guests to meet King Neptune. He came on board accompanied by several pirates claiming revenge for crossing the Equator line without his permission. Later in the morning we took a Zodiac ride along the coastline of Ecuador volcano. We admired the beauty of the volcanic setting and its inhabitants. Just before anchoring we spotted some whale blows in the distance. We identified the cetaceans as Bryde’s whales. The huge giant sunfish (Mola mola) were seen at very close range from the Zodiacs. This fish can reach enormous size and its appearance is rather odd. It looks just like a giant pancake with two long fins, its tail is scalloped and seems like it has been bitten off. Snorkeling with sea turtles was next. This was an experience that was qualified by our guests as exceptional. Clear waters allowed close observation of these incredible reptiles.
In the afternoon we visited Fernandina Island, which is by far my favorite one. Fernandina is the youngest island of the Galápagos archipelago. It is estimated to be only 300 thousand years old, and according to some authorities it could be even younger than that. Due to its pristine conditions this island is considered to be the jewel on the crown of this enchanted archipelago. Spectacular young black lava flows cover most of the island. Mangroves and lava cacti add some color to the dark lava fields. The surrounding blue ocean and the beautiful sky were perfect complements today to the most magnificent natural setting you can imagine. Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants and large groups of marine iguanas make this island their home. Galápagos sea lion pups were a real delight today. These cute babies were playing without showing any concern of their astonished observers. At the end of the day we came back on board with high spirits and willing to share our experiences with our fellow travelers. We can hardly wait to see what new exciting experiences tomorrow will bring to our expedition this week.
