Isabela and Fernandina
The full moon set off our bow into the ocean and behind, the sun burst forth from among the waves; a spectacular start to another gorgeous day in Las Islas Encantadas. Only those willing to rise early saw common dolphins this morning. We approached a small pod but could not get their attention; they were intent on catching their breakfast rather than entertaining us. We contented ourselves with watching the sea birds: Galápagos shearwaters, two species of storm petrels, frigate birds, noddy terns and the endemic dark rumped petrel. As we navigated along the northern coast of Isabela Island we admired spectacular views of Wolf, Ecuador and in the distance Fernandina volcanoes.
After breakfast we had a full schedule with options of Zodiac cruising or sea kayaking followed by snorkeling. Sea turtles, sea lions, fur seals, penguins, flightless cormorants and Mola mola, the huge pelagic sunfish, were observed and photographed. We feasted our way through a fabulous traditional Ecuadorian buffet lunch and with smiles of satisfaction headed for our cabins for a siesta.
I was glad that I had to make a ship wide announcement which cut the siesta short, “Lucho has spotted a whale about two miles ahead. Grab your binoculars and come join us on the bow!” Our guests hurried on deck and we enjoyed a good look at two Bryde’s whales: a large adult with a smaller sub-adult. They surfaced several times close to the ship and so our guests finally got their much hoped for whale experience.
Our afternoon walk at Punta Espinoza, on Fernandina Island was delightful! Some of the highlights were a Galápagos snake, a curious cormorant that tugged on the panga ropes, penguins both on land and in the water, and piles of marine iguanas. Tonight, as we headed off to bed, we were dreaming of the volcano we will hike up in the morning! And so, our adventure continues…
The full moon set off our bow into the ocean and behind, the sun burst forth from among the waves; a spectacular start to another gorgeous day in Las Islas Encantadas. Only those willing to rise early saw common dolphins this morning. We approached a small pod but could not get their attention; they were intent on catching their breakfast rather than entertaining us. We contented ourselves with watching the sea birds: Galápagos shearwaters, two species of storm petrels, frigate birds, noddy terns and the endemic dark rumped petrel. As we navigated along the northern coast of Isabela Island we admired spectacular views of Wolf, Ecuador and in the distance Fernandina volcanoes.
After breakfast we had a full schedule with options of Zodiac cruising or sea kayaking followed by snorkeling. Sea turtles, sea lions, fur seals, penguins, flightless cormorants and Mola mola, the huge pelagic sunfish, were observed and photographed. We feasted our way through a fabulous traditional Ecuadorian buffet lunch and with smiles of satisfaction headed for our cabins for a siesta.
I was glad that I had to make a ship wide announcement which cut the siesta short, “Lucho has spotted a whale about two miles ahead. Grab your binoculars and come join us on the bow!” Our guests hurried on deck and we enjoyed a good look at two Bryde’s whales: a large adult with a smaller sub-adult. They surfaced several times close to the ship and so our guests finally got their much hoped for whale experience.
Our afternoon walk at Punta Espinoza, on Fernandina Island was delightful! Some of the highlights were a Galápagos snake, a curious cormorant that tugged on the panga ropes, penguins both on land and in the water, and piles of marine iguanas. Tonight, as we headed off to bed, we were dreaming of the volcano we will hike up in the morning! And so, our adventure continues…
