The excitement continues and today we were to spend a whole day in the largest island of the Galapagos archipelago. Isabela is located on the west, and is outlined by elegant shield volcanoes. Its high elevations and large size allow to various vegetation zones, and from the distance it looks a lot greener than any of the islands we have previously visited. We set foot at Urbina Bay. This coast was the scenario of some interesting volcanic events, where about 1.5 square kilometers were uplifted leaving marine creatures stranded and coral heads well away from the ocean. A circular trail took us into the denser vegetation, which is the perfect habitat to a colony of endemic land iguanas, very attractive with their yellow and orange colors. We continued further inland trying our luck to find the local inhabitants, the giant tortoises. We found a couple of young ones that were savvy enough to use the trail instead of getting tangled in the brush! The morning got warmer but our adventure in Urbina Bay continued, and we reached the coast where fantastic surf was breaking over the basaltic rocks! We kept along admiring this wonderful spectacle until we reached the landing beach. It was time to enjoy the waves and have leisurely fun at the beach, particularly for our younger explorers but for the grown-ups too!
In the afternoon, we sailed further north along the western coast of Isabela Island, and we finally reached Tagus Cove. This is a historical anchorage, it has been used by vessels of various flags and purposes, from travelers to fur sealers, whalers and pirates. It is well known that the HMS Beagle anchored here to pick up young naturalist Charles Darwin in 1835. This was to be a busy afternoon. The coastline of Tagus is amazing, with tall cliffs that have been eroded by the winds and waves; it is also the home to species like the Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, Galapagos sea lions, brown pelicans, and brown noddies, just to mention a few. We had different options for everyone, from exploring the nearby coastline by kayak, to joining a Zodiac ride instead, or even land ashore for a brisk hike inland, past some striking views of hidden Darwin Lake and Tagus Cove to end up at a viewpoint over the magnificent lava fields of Darwin Volcano. By six in the afternoon the equatorial sun sets and brightens the dry vegetation of the nearby cliffs and craters. We were bathed yet once more by the magic of the Enchanted Islands… the days go fast, and we vow to enjoy what’s left of our expedition here to a full.
