Isabela and Fernandina Islands
Today we had an early morning circumnavigation around “Roca Redonda” or round rock. This formation is located at the most northern realm of Isabela Island and it is the impressive tip of an extinct volcano. As we went around the rock, we had the chance to identify some of the sea birds that are frequent visitors and some others which are permanent residents. As we were observing the birds fly, a couple of dolphins foraging in the distance were spotted by some of our guests and officers. We tried to get a better glimpse of them, but as we approached, they submerged in the dark-blue waters of this enchanted place. A perfect blue sky, a moderate breeze and a very calm sea were not bad signs of what await us later in the morning.
By nine in the morning we were already anchored and on our way to enjoy a Zodiac ride along Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island. Only five minutes had passed when “Super G,” one of our five superb Zodiac drivers, spotted an Oceanic Sunfish. This fish is commonly known as Mola mola (its scientific name) and could measure up to ten feet in length!
We continued our ride, when suddenly, Victor, our second deck officer, called us to tell us he had spotted some killer whales! We tried to approach them, but once again, these beautiful animals disappeared at the distance. We decided that snorkeling sounded like a good idea after such an amazing Zodiac ride. Sure enough, the place was loaded with marine life. The sight of a Mola mola excited everyone. Then, a huge manta ray came under the snorkelers, giving them the show of a lifetime. A lot of colorful fish were dancing among pacific green sea turtles, sea horses, penguins and flightless cormorants.
Finally, after lunch, the walk over the lava flows at Fernandina Island was simply spectacular. Once again, all the species mentioned above showed up on an endless display of joy, as if they new they were in a special place called Galápagos…
Today we had an early morning circumnavigation around “Roca Redonda” or round rock. This formation is located at the most northern realm of Isabela Island and it is the impressive tip of an extinct volcano. As we went around the rock, we had the chance to identify some of the sea birds that are frequent visitors and some others which are permanent residents. As we were observing the birds fly, a couple of dolphins foraging in the distance were spotted by some of our guests and officers. We tried to get a better glimpse of them, but as we approached, they submerged in the dark-blue waters of this enchanted place. A perfect blue sky, a moderate breeze and a very calm sea were not bad signs of what await us later in the morning.
By nine in the morning we were already anchored and on our way to enjoy a Zodiac ride along Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island. Only five minutes had passed when “Super G,” one of our five superb Zodiac drivers, spotted an Oceanic Sunfish. This fish is commonly known as Mola mola (its scientific name) and could measure up to ten feet in length!
We continued our ride, when suddenly, Victor, our second deck officer, called us to tell us he had spotted some killer whales! We tried to approach them, but once again, these beautiful animals disappeared at the distance. We decided that snorkeling sounded like a good idea after such an amazing Zodiac ride. Sure enough, the place was loaded with marine life. The sight of a Mola mola excited everyone. Then, a huge manta ray came under the snorkelers, giving them the show of a lifetime. A lot of colorful fish were dancing among pacific green sea turtles, sea horses, penguins and flightless cormorants.
Finally, after lunch, the walk over the lava flows at Fernandina Island was simply spectacular. Once again, all the species mentioned above showed up on an endless display of joy, as if they new they were in a special place called Galápagos…
