Today we woke up on the western side of Isabela Island at Urbina Bay. Our day started with an amazing walk along a trail full of surprises. We had our first encounter with giant tortoises that were basking in the sun at the start of the trail. Guests were impressed by their size and lack of interest in our presence. We met several large male land iguanas further along the trail. Guests learned about special pheromones that the iguanas expel in order to exert their dominance and find mates. Guests cooled off with a refreshing swim after our hike while our young explorers learned how to drive our famous Zodiacs.
Snorkeling in the afternoon was spectacular: guests got their first up close encounter with Galapagos penguins and flightless cormorants as they were darting around the water column, hunting for squid and sardines.
We ended the day with a fast-paced hike up to Galapagos Lake, where guests enjoyed some breathtaking vistas. We spent a few silent minutes gazing out at the vast and empty lava fields of Tagus Cove, contemplating what it would have been like when the famous Wolf Volcano erupted.
