Today we continue exploring the western realms of the Galapagos archipelago. We woke up with the impressive view of the beautiful volcanic coastline of Urbina Bay seen in the distance. Just after breakfast we disembarked on a black lava beach. After a wet landing we put on our best walking shoes to go for a hike.
We visited one of the most interesting, at the geological level, visitor sites in Galapagos - Urbina Bay. Just as recently as in 1954, approximately one and a half square kilometers of the marine reef off the coast of Urbina Bay were uplifted in a matter of weeks, by as much as 15 feet (four meters)! This event is so recent that is still possible to see some evidence of this occurrence, which took place over 50 years ago. Farther inside the trail, we admired big brain coral heads that are mute relics of the recent uplifting process. It felt so incredible to be able to walk in a place that used to be underwater not long ago.
Two options were offered. A long hike of about two miles (three kilometers) in distance and a shorter, half mile (0.8 kilometer hike). Along both trails we had the joy to find huge colorful Galapagos land iguanas and many plants with flowers. After the hike many guests took a refreshing dip in the waters of the Pacific Ocean. We shared the beach with several brown pelicans who were fishing among the swimmers and some hermit crabs who were walking around.
During our extraordinary Ecuadorian buffet lunch, we sailed towards Tagus Cove. This splendid place located on the western coast of Isabel island is one the most-well known trademarks of the Galapagos. Tagus Cove is one of the most historical places in the whole archipelago for it was once a favorite anchorage place for whalers and refuge to pirates and buccaneers.
We had a couple of activities in the early afternoon. Several groups of snorkeling enthusiasts jumped in the water at Tagus Cove. The snorkeling outing took place along the cliffs of an old tuff cone. Many colorful schools of fish, dozens of sea turtles, and occasional curious Galapagos penguins were seen. Two rounds of kayaking were offered as well.
In the late afternoon, some guests opted to take part in an invigorating and fast-paced hike all the way up Darwin Lake and beyond to an observation point where we could admire the magnificence of the slopes of Darwin Volcano. Other guests had the option to go for a Zodiac ride instead of the hike as well.
At the moment I am writing these paragraphs this day in our expedition around the magical western realms of the archipelago has ended, but hopefully all the passion and love that it evokes in our visitors today will be part of their lives forever.
