To the west is the youngest and most volcanic island of the archipelago. Also the largest, it’s here on Isabela where we spent the day. Our activities began at a location called Urbina Bay where our guests chose between a short and long hike, both offering good opportunities to spot wildlife like the large land iguanas and occasional giant tortoises.

Land birds are also everywhere here: Darwin’s finches, Galapagos hawks, warblers and Galapagos mockingbirds to some waders and sea birds like the unique flightless cormorants and penguins.

Another interesting feature of the area was the 1954 uplift that caused the elevation of the marine bottom by 12 feet over an area of about 5 miles. During the action a great number of marine creatures like sea turtles, sea urchins, lobster, sharks and many more were left high and dry. The remnants can be seen as you walk through the inland trail recently colonized by vegetation of different sorts. A great area has large coral heads a good distance from the water, now covered with vegetation.

After a delicious Ecuadorian lunch and a mandatory siesta we prepared for the afternoon activities at another location on Isabela called Tagus Cove. Formerly visited by naturalist Charles Darwin, some guests started kayaking along the shore of tuff formation regularly covered with sea birds like penguins and cormorants resting or nesting.

This was followed by some guests going snorkeling off the Zodiacs along the coastline. Here green sea turtles are abundant and incredibly friendly. Penguins also come very close as they follow small fish. Cormorants do the same and are sometimes attracted to snorkels and other items people have on. They often play and try to take the items to include as part of their nests. This session in the water was just amazing.

The adventure continued for those going on a power hike to a small elevation. From there, you can see a salt water lake in an old crater mostly made of ash and surrounded by local vegetation. The water within is twice as salty as the ocean. Other guests went on a Zodiac ride to look for the amazing animals that usually hang on the rocks and swim close the shore where it is possible to see and take pictures of them easily.

Behind us, the sun was on the horizon announcing the last warming rays of the day. It was one of those days that will stay in our memories for a long time. Another incredible day!