Today is our last full day in the western realm of the Galapagos archipelago, and we visited Isabela Island, also known as Albemarle. This is the largest island in the Galápagos with an area of 4,640 sq. km (1,790 sq. mi) and represents fifty percent of the surface area of the Galapagos National Park. Geologically speaking, the island is quite young and formed by the merging of six shield volcanoes about 600,000 years ago. Towering volcanos, fresh lava flows, uplifted shorelines and calm seas are some of the unique geological features of this site.
Isabela is rich in wildlife, but animal populations have repeatedly been threatened since the arrival of buccaneers, pirates and privateers. The island has been the focus of a significant and successful eradication program of introduced species, with the final goal of the ecological restoration of the islands. Thanks to these environmental programs, the flora and fauna of the island is recovering, and our guests had a unique experience today at Urbina Bay, which is at the base of Alcedo Volcano. Land iguanas that were under serious threat, due to the exploding population of feral goats, were sighted every few yards during our walk. Darwin’s finches and mockingbirds, which inspired Charles Darwin in the development of the theory of evolution by means of natural selection, delighted us with their characteristic sounds and calls. We all ended our walks on a black-sand beach, where we had the chance to relax and enjoy the rest of the morning.
In the afternoon, the National Geographic Endeavour lifted anchor to take us to our next destination, known as Tagus Cove. This historic bay of Tagus Cove was used as a sheltered harbor for wayfarers over the centuries. Some interesting historic graffiti can be found near the landing, and many stories can be told of visitors to this protected cover. This area of Isabela is one of the places that was visited by Charles Darwin in 1835. The afternoon visit included different options, such as deep-water snorkeling, kayaking, and Zodiac riding along the fascinating eroded tuff coastline of Isabela. Participants of each of the options found Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and many different species of fish. The strenuous but scenic hike up the rim of a tuff cone overlooking Darwin Lake and beyond was rewarding as well.
The relatively new volcanic fields and surrounding grounds have not developed the necessary nutrients required to support the widely-ranging life zones found on older islands, but the flora and fauna of this place were beyond our expectations.
