The conditions this morning are ideal for the excursion we are planning. It is Monday and we are anchored at the most northeasterly side of Fernandina, right where Punta Espinoza is located. This is the only visitor site on the island of Fernandina, which according to the community of science is the last of the pristine islands we humans have left.
After breakfast, our guests are ready to begin and they line up by the door of the disembarkation area. This large group of explorers is being led by the natural history staff on the excursion to Punta Espinoza.
It is a rocky landing and the rocks are wet and slippery. We have to go slowly and carefully to avoid an accident in this section of the visitor site. Soon after the rocky area we reach a sandy section where marine iguanas, crabs, and sea lions invite us all to stop and enjoy their company. Now the natural history staff has a chance to share what we know about these beautiful animals.
The temperatures on the island are high at this time of the year, but this difficulty is not enough to stop our enthusiasm. We keep walking and sharing information and photographing all the beauty of this place.
We spend nearly two hours and thirty minutes on Punta Espinoza, walking the rocky and sandy areas, all with something special. The marine iguanas are particularly active. With the tide so low, they have the best chance to go out to the tidal zone and get what they want to eat. Walking back and forth along the intertidal area, where seaweed is available, the marine iguanas provide the best “class” on how they get their food.
After the visit to Punta Espinoza, we ride Zodiacs back to the National Geographic Endeavour and weigh anchor on our way to the next destination. We arrive at Punta Vicente Roca around one o’clock in the afternoon. By two thirty, after our lunch, we board the ship again. This afternoon, we go snorkeling. It is the most enjoyable activity yet, probably due to the high temperatures.
The visibility for Vicente Roca is not bad at all and we quickly dive into the 78-degree water and snorkel among the many feeding turtles. They are everywhere and it is so special to have them so close and unbothered by our presence. In Vicente Roca, there is so much to see in the water – an octopus here, a penguin there. Satisfied, we go back to the National Geographic Endeavour very happy for what we have experienced all day in this great and special place.
