Isabela and Fernandina Islands
Our expedition found us navigating along the volcanic coastline of Isabela Island. We had a wonderful sunny morning with blue skies. Isabela Island has a peculiar sea horse shape. After crossing the equatorial line we headed to Punta Vicente Roca, a visitors site located right at the “sea horse’s nose.” We went on a long Zodiac ride along the high cliffs looking for the exuberant wildlife of these realms. Our excitement could not be any better when one of our guests spotted a very large Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola). The water was so clear that we could appreciate very well how big this fish species is. The sunfish resembles a huge rounded and speckled face attached to a very short tail. After the Zodiac ride, we came back briefly to the National Geographic Polaris for a quick change in order to go snorkeling. This activity was unforgettable! Snorkeling with the sea turtles made us realize how gracefully they swim. We observed the turtles grasping algae from the rocks. Galápagos penguins were spotted as well, performing acrobatic movements underwater.
After such an amazing morning, the afternoon was no less impressive. Our afternoon’s hike on Punta Espinoza was magical. We walked on very young black lava flows. Huge marine iguanas piled up were seen everywhere. There are so many that you have to be careful not to step on them! Flightless cormorants preening themselves, lots of Galápagos sea lion pups and even a Galápagos hawk were seen as well. Due to the low tide we experienced, we could see many colorful Sally light-foot crabs. An astonishing sunset told us that it was time to come back onboard. Every day brings to our lives different surprises in these Enchanted Islands!
Our expedition found us navigating along the volcanic coastline of Isabela Island. We had a wonderful sunny morning with blue skies. Isabela Island has a peculiar sea horse shape. After crossing the equatorial line we headed to Punta Vicente Roca, a visitors site located right at the “sea horse’s nose.” We went on a long Zodiac ride along the high cliffs looking for the exuberant wildlife of these realms. Our excitement could not be any better when one of our guests spotted a very large Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola). The water was so clear that we could appreciate very well how big this fish species is. The sunfish resembles a huge rounded and speckled face attached to a very short tail. After the Zodiac ride, we came back briefly to the National Geographic Polaris for a quick change in order to go snorkeling. This activity was unforgettable! Snorkeling with the sea turtles made us realize how gracefully they swim. We observed the turtles grasping algae from the rocks. Galápagos penguins were spotted as well, performing acrobatic movements underwater.
After such an amazing morning, the afternoon was no less impressive. Our afternoon’s hike on Punta Espinoza was magical. We walked on very young black lava flows. Huge marine iguanas piled up were seen everywhere. There are so many that you have to be careful not to step on them! Flightless cormorants preening themselves, lots of Galápagos sea lion pups and even a Galápagos hawk were seen as well. Due to the low tide we experienced, we could see many colorful Sally light-foot crabs. An astonishing sunset told us that it was time to come back onboard. Every day brings to our lives different surprises in these Enchanted Islands!
