We arrived to the Western side of the enchanted archipelago, welcomed by calmed seas. As we navigated along the coast of Isabela, the geological features on this island could not have been more breathtaking. Soon, we crossed the equator line and had a surprising celebration on the bow of the ship, where we all became shellbacks and got permission from King Neptune to explore the blue heart of the planet and all its wonders.
Out first expedition led us to go on a Zodiac ride along the coast of Punta Vicente Roca, located at the northern site of Isabela. We were amazed by the huge cliffs found in the area and all the variety of species we found on the coast and in the water: iguanas, sea turtles (pacific green), sea lions, flightless cormorants and some Galapagos penguins fishing along the coast. After the ride, we went snorkeling with sea lions, penguins and many sea turtles. It was a magical snorkeling outing and the water this time was about 79”F.
During the afternoon we had a dry landing at Punta Espinoza, the only visitor site of the island of Fernandina, where we encountered hundreds of large marine iguanas basking under the sun and beginning the breeding season. Several of these male marine iguanas were extremely territorial, performing some vicious reptilian fights over territory. Flightless cormorants and a small colony of Galapagos sea lions were also spotted along the shoreline.
We walked in paradise today, barren lava flows and endemic species complementing the young landscape!
