Today we sailed to the western part of the archipelago, Fernandina and Isabela Islands. The newest islands are strongly influenced by the Cromwell Undercurrent that brings cold, nutrient-rich waters. Due to this fact, we found the largest aggregations of marine iguanas and sea turtles that feed on algae. We also saw flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins.
Later, we snorkeled and saw many sea turtles, some penguins, flightless cormorants, and marine iguanas feeding underwater. The temperature was very pleasant, 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the afternoon we visited Punta Vicente Roca, a collapsed caldera of Volcano Ecuador, one of the six volcanos that form Isabela. We saw a manta ray feeding, as well as flightless cormorants, Galapagos fur seals, and marine iguanas.
At around 17:45 we crossed the Equator and celebrated this event with our guests – and a group of pirates!
