Isabela is definitely the Queen of the Galapagos, being named after the Queen of Spain during the late 1800s, and making up half of all the landmass here in the archipelago. We start our morning with a deep blue clear sky and an incredible view of the massive shield volcanoes that make up this island. At the base of Alcedo Volcano, we begin our exploration in an area that was once uplifted completely out of the ocean prior to a volcanic eruption. This volcanic uplift at Urvina Bay was substantial as it brought over two square kilometers of an underwater rocky reef out of the water, in certain areas over four meters above sea level. Our guests from Tampa, Florida are surprised at the extensive rocky terrain that was previously a healthy reef system with coral heads that are now underfoot. Galapagos land iguanas are found everywhere along the trail and a juvenile Galapagos tortoise is spotted tucked under the vegetation, staying out of the warming Equatorial sun. An endemic Darwin daisy bush is noted as part of the thick vegetation that has built up only since 1954. After a quick and eye opening dip into the cool water (64 degrees Fahrenheit) we send our younger explorers out to learn how to drive the Zodiac landing crafts. The journey continues as we raise the anchor and head along the western coast of Isabela towards Tagus Cove.
The afternoon starts with a large traditional Ecuadorian lunch, allowing us to get closer to the culture of Ecuador. We anchor at Tagus Cove, which has always been a protected anchorage for ships as it is flanked by large tuff volcanic cones. The historical significance of the site is evident, as we find graffiti on the surrounding cliffs dating back to 1836, one year after Darwin’s visit to the same site. We investigate the coast with a combination of kayaking and Zodiac rides that allows us to experience Galapagos penguins and flightless cormorants foraging and nesting along the rugged terrain. Snorkelers are ecstatic as they are surrounded at all times by Pacific green sea turtles with penguins and cormorants feeding fliting by the snorkelers. Time is short as this incredible day passes with the warm light of the setting sun we make a landing to climb high above our anchorage. Views of the entire island of Isabela are laid before us and we stop for a moment to take in the scenery of this incredible world among itself.
