Isabela and Fernandina Islands
The region we visited today is one of the most breathtaking places around the Galápagos archipelago. Isabela and Fernandina islands are located in the western realm of the archipelago, and they constitute the youngest islands as well. They both have massive shield volcanoes and fresh black lava flows. Besides that, the waters that surround these spectacular islands are also very rich in nutrients, mainly due the presence of a major cold water upwelling occurring at its westernmost coastlines.
Our day began with a circumnavigation around Roca Redonda. This geological formation is simply spectacular! It is the tip a huge submerged volcano where we can observe many different species of sea birds.
Shortly after we crossed the Equatorial line, the Polaris anchored at the southern side of Volcan Ecuador. We headed with the Zodiacs along the coast of Punta Vicente Roca, where we could observe one of the most superb volcanic sceneries of the islands. The wildlife activity was impressive as well. We were lucky to see many species such as the Galápagos penguins, Pacific sea turtles, flightless cormorants and the fantastic giant ocean fish (Mola mola). The later one was one of the most commented sightings of the day because of its bizarreness.
After lunch, we navigated south to reach the northeastern point of Fernandina Island. We all enjoyed a wonderful walk on Punta Espinoza where we observed very large groups of marine iguanas basking in the sun.
The Galápagos flightless cormorants were something truly special to observe this afternoon. The last breeding season for these birds has been quite successful and that made us very happy. There are many juveniles around their proud parents. We could say that these young birds are very amusing; some of them begged for food very loudly while others were playing with sticks while wondering in the surroundings trying to investigate a little bit.
The Galápagos penguins and flightless cormorants are two of the most representative and emblematic bird species of the Galápagos Islands. They represent living evidences of evolution and adaptation in oceanic islands. However, none of the mentioned species are very numerous. It is estimated that in both cases the populations are not larger than twelve hundred individuals. Don’t forget to take a look of today’s picture to see these famous flightless birds together.
Reluctantly, we came back on board with the company of the last sunrays. We can hardly wait to see what new emotions and discoveries our expedition would bring tomorrow...
The region we visited today is one of the most breathtaking places around the Galápagos archipelago. Isabela and Fernandina islands are located in the western realm of the archipelago, and they constitute the youngest islands as well. They both have massive shield volcanoes and fresh black lava flows. Besides that, the waters that surround these spectacular islands are also very rich in nutrients, mainly due the presence of a major cold water upwelling occurring at its westernmost coastlines.
Our day began with a circumnavigation around Roca Redonda. This geological formation is simply spectacular! It is the tip a huge submerged volcano where we can observe many different species of sea birds.
Shortly after we crossed the Equatorial line, the Polaris anchored at the southern side of Volcan Ecuador. We headed with the Zodiacs along the coast of Punta Vicente Roca, where we could observe one of the most superb volcanic sceneries of the islands. The wildlife activity was impressive as well. We were lucky to see many species such as the Galápagos penguins, Pacific sea turtles, flightless cormorants and the fantastic giant ocean fish (Mola mola). The later one was one of the most commented sightings of the day because of its bizarreness.
After lunch, we navigated south to reach the northeastern point of Fernandina Island. We all enjoyed a wonderful walk on Punta Espinoza where we observed very large groups of marine iguanas basking in the sun.
The Galápagos flightless cormorants were something truly special to observe this afternoon. The last breeding season for these birds has been quite successful and that made us very happy. There are many juveniles around their proud parents. We could say that these young birds are very amusing; some of them begged for food very loudly while others were playing with sticks while wondering in the surroundings trying to investigate a little bit.
The Galápagos penguins and flightless cormorants are two of the most representative and emblematic bird species of the Galápagos Islands. They represent living evidences of evolution and adaptation in oceanic islands. However, none of the mentioned species are very numerous. It is estimated that in both cases the populations are not larger than twelve hundred individuals. Don’t forget to take a look of today’s picture to see these famous flightless birds together.
Reluctantly, we came back on board with the company of the last sunrays. We can hardly wait to see what new emotions and discoveries our expedition would bring tomorrow...
