Isabela and Fernandina Islands
Time works in strange ways in the Galápagos. The days are filled with moments of beauty and tranquility that can exist only here. Never did I imagine that in just one day, I would see so much! In the chaotic streets of New York City, I am lucky if I see a squirrel, or perhaps a pigeon, but here on these enchanted islands, wildlife is everywhere you turn, sometimes literally just beneath your feet!
At a little after 8:30 this morning, the ship crossed the equator line, which was a first for most of us on board. The captain blew the ship’s horn, and cheers and applause filled the air as we continued south towards our morning destination of Punta Vincente Roca. On our way there, the brilliant Volcan Ecuador loomed above us, shrouded in low, misty fog known as “garua.”
The panga ride along the coast of Punta Vincente Roca was spectacular. Blue-footed boobies, cormorants and marine iguanas dotted the high cliffs, as well as another resident of the island – the Galápagos penguin. One group was even lucky enough to spot the elusive mola mola, or oceanic sunfish!
Snorkeling this afternoon off Punta Espinosa put us face to face with sea lions, marine iguanas and a trio of sea turtles who appeared from the murky green depths. Being so close to these majestic, ancient creatures was such an honor; they are living history, and for a brief moment in time, we shared the place they have called home for thousands of years.
Upon landing at Punta Espinosa, we were greeted by the welcoming committee – two adorable sea lion pups frolicking in the shallow pools near the shore. Surrounding these pools were hundreds of iguanas blanketing the ground in their regal sunbathing poses. It seemed for a moment as if dinosaurs had returned to roam the island. Along with the iguanas, there were lizards, spiders, penguins and a nesting site for flightless cormorants. So many different animals sharing the same beautiful island…
Humans are an introduced species to the Galápagos. We are all so lucky to be able to visit this place, and experience first hand the unspoiled, pristine magic that separates Galápagos from anywhere else on earth. Time doesn’t stand still here, but it moves gently like the wind. Who knows where the winds will lead us tomorrow…
Time works in strange ways in the Galápagos. The days are filled with moments of beauty and tranquility that can exist only here. Never did I imagine that in just one day, I would see so much! In the chaotic streets of New York City, I am lucky if I see a squirrel, or perhaps a pigeon, but here on these enchanted islands, wildlife is everywhere you turn, sometimes literally just beneath your feet!
At a little after 8:30 this morning, the ship crossed the equator line, which was a first for most of us on board. The captain blew the ship’s horn, and cheers and applause filled the air as we continued south towards our morning destination of Punta Vincente Roca. On our way there, the brilliant Volcan Ecuador loomed above us, shrouded in low, misty fog known as “garua.”
The panga ride along the coast of Punta Vincente Roca was spectacular. Blue-footed boobies, cormorants and marine iguanas dotted the high cliffs, as well as another resident of the island – the Galápagos penguin. One group was even lucky enough to spot the elusive mola mola, or oceanic sunfish!
Snorkeling this afternoon off Punta Espinosa put us face to face with sea lions, marine iguanas and a trio of sea turtles who appeared from the murky green depths. Being so close to these majestic, ancient creatures was such an honor; they are living history, and for a brief moment in time, we shared the place they have called home for thousands of years.
Upon landing at Punta Espinosa, we were greeted by the welcoming committee – two adorable sea lion pups frolicking in the shallow pools near the shore. Surrounding these pools were hundreds of iguanas blanketing the ground in their regal sunbathing poses. It seemed for a moment as if dinosaurs had returned to roam the island. Along with the iguanas, there were lizards, spiders, penguins and a nesting site for flightless cormorants. So many different animals sharing the same beautiful island…
Humans are an introduced species to the Galápagos. We are all so lucky to be able to visit this place, and experience first hand the unspoiled, pristine magic that separates Galápagos from anywhere else on earth. Time doesn’t stand still here, but it moves gently like the wind. Who knows where the winds will lead us tomorrow…
