Isabela and Fernandina Islands
Our day today started at 6:30 in the morning with an incredible sighting: a small tower-like rock in the middle of the ocean where hundreds of sea birds nest and feed. At about 7:05 we spotted the first bottle-nosed dolphins and sea lions fishing around. We are on the western side of the Galápagos Islands where some of the largest concentrations of marine iguanas, penguins, cormorants, and blue-footed boobies are; this is because of the upwelling activity and nutrient-rich waters in these areas.
It was fascinating to see frigate birds chasing each other to get some food. Frigates cannot dive in the water and so they have to steal food from other sea birds or from themselves, this behavior is called kleptoparasitism. The morning was definitely spectacular with the crossing of the equatorial line.
After lunch, we were all blown away by the spectacular sighting of both an orca whale and an amazing school of dolphins. Deep-water snorkelers enjoyed swimming alongside turtles and sea lions in the cold waters off of Fernandina Island. We were also amazed by fish, coral, and even a stingray. We ended the day with a fabulous Zodiac ride where we saw penguins, turtles and many other sea birds. A walk on the lava flows of Fernandina Island was the perfect end of the adventure. We were fascinated by diving blue-footed boobies, territorial sea lions, and marine iguanas, young and old.
Our day today started at 6:30 in the morning with an incredible sighting: a small tower-like rock in the middle of the ocean where hundreds of sea birds nest and feed. At about 7:05 we spotted the first bottle-nosed dolphins and sea lions fishing around. We are on the western side of the Galápagos Islands where some of the largest concentrations of marine iguanas, penguins, cormorants, and blue-footed boobies are; this is because of the upwelling activity and nutrient-rich waters in these areas.
It was fascinating to see frigate birds chasing each other to get some food. Frigates cannot dive in the water and so they have to steal food from other sea birds or from themselves, this behavior is called kleptoparasitism. The morning was definitely spectacular with the crossing of the equatorial line.
After lunch, we were all blown away by the spectacular sighting of both an orca whale and an amazing school of dolphins. Deep-water snorkelers enjoyed swimming alongside turtles and sea lions in the cold waters off of Fernandina Island. We were also amazed by fish, coral, and even a stingray. We ended the day with a fabulous Zodiac ride where we saw penguins, turtles and many other sea birds. A walk on the lava flows of Fernandina Island was the perfect end of the adventure. We were fascinated by diving blue-footed boobies, territorial sea lions, and marine iguanas, young and old.
