Fernandina & Isabela Islands
Early in the morning, we started our circumnavigation around “roca redonda” or round rock. This interesting formation rises from the ocean and is home for thousands of sea birds. The birds congregate in large numbers here because of the richness of the cold currents in this area. The variety of species sighted here were astonishing, and it was fun to try to identify them as they flew by the ship. Right after breakfast, as we were moving to our next destination, common dolphins appeared out of nowhere. Their acrobatics jumps were definitely the highlight of our navigation and we are all sure that no one missed these picture opportunities.
As soon as we dropped anchor, we took a Zodiac ride along the coast line of Punta Vicente Roca, and as usual, it turned out to be a spectacular outing. We even saw the very rare Mola mola, or ocean sunfish. As soon as the penguins were sighted, our guests’ excitement increased. We also found the famous flightless cormorant, plus green sea turtles, fur seals and mountains of marine iguanas.
We also could observe from the distance how marine iguanas are actively digging holes to lay the eggs. It is the hot season and you can see how animals behave differently.
The afternoon’s walk was simply great! Fernandina Island showed its beauty as we walked by its pristine environment. Here, different species of wild life coexist in harmony; it was a lesson that we should all learn and never forget. We also learned that tourism is beneficial for places like this since we often say that you can only take care of what you get to know best. It is amazing how, after only one week, these islands can change the way visitors observe nature, and that is why this is considered a magical place…
Early in the morning, we started our circumnavigation around “roca redonda” or round rock. This interesting formation rises from the ocean and is home for thousands of sea birds. The birds congregate in large numbers here because of the richness of the cold currents in this area. The variety of species sighted here were astonishing, and it was fun to try to identify them as they flew by the ship. Right after breakfast, as we were moving to our next destination, common dolphins appeared out of nowhere. Their acrobatics jumps were definitely the highlight of our navigation and we are all sure that no one missed these picture opportunities.
As soon as we dropped anchor, we took a Zodiac ride along the coast line of Punta Vicente Roca, and as usual, it turned out to be a spectacular outing. We even saw the very rare Mola mola, or ocean sunfish. As soon as the penguins were sighted, our guests’ excitement increased. We also found the famous flightless cormorant, plus green sea turtles, fur seals and mountains of marine iguanas.
We also could observe from the distance how marine iguanas are actively digging holes to lay the eggs. It is the hot season and you can see how animals behave differently.
The afternoon’s walk was simply great! Fernandina Island showed its beauty as we walked by its pristine environment. Here, different species of wild life coexist in harmony; it was a lesson that we should all learn and never forget. We also learned that tourism is beneficial for places like this since we often say that you can only take care of what you get to know best. It is amazing how, after only one week, these islands can change the way visitors observe nature, and that is why this is considered a magical place…
