Fernandina Island, a remote gem in the Pacific, showcased the untamed beauty of the Galapagos. As we disembarked at Punta Espinoza, the first sight that greeted us was the awe-inspiring marine iguanas basking in the sun. These prehistoric creatures were a living testament to evolution, adapting to the harsh coastal environment over eons. We also encountered some flightless cormorants on the rocks and a charismatic Galapagos penguin — the only penguin living north of the Equator — that was feeding along the coast. It was a wildlife enthusiast's paradise.
Snorkeling in this underwater heaven, we were surrounded by a kaleidoscope of life. The cool upwelling waters of the Cromwell Current made it a feeding ground for marine life; we were mesmerized by the sight of a marine iguana grazing, a couple of sea turtles swimming by, and different schools of fish darting through the sea.
Our journey continued with a cruise along Punta Vicente Roca, and it was a breathtaking experience. The dramatic cliffs of Isabela Island seemed to reach for the sky while the crystal-clear waters unveiled a marine wonderland beneath. Some of our guests spotted sunfish, and farther away some dolphins were passing by. We crossed the Equator and had an Ecuadorian cocktail featuring the colors of the country’s flag. Naturalists and crew members dressed as pirates and got us all together for fun pictures at the observation deck — it was a great experience.
Our naturalist Bernardo gave a talk about Charles Darwin’s life, studies, theories, and his voyage around Galapagos with the HMS Beagle.
As the day turned into evening, we were treated to a wine tasting event during sunset. It was a perfect ending for today’s adventures around this wonderful side of the archipelago; next we will navigate back to the central islands.
