Fernandina and Isabela Islands
There are no words to describe such a day like this!!!
The summit volcano on Fernandina Island brought us back to the very beginning of the formation of the Galápagos Islands; the lava fields here look as fresh as if there had been an eruption just a few days ago.
Marine iguanas are sunbathing by the hundreds before they submerge themselves into the nutrient-rich waters of the Cromwell currents, which produce a big bloom of algae from which many other animals such us marine turtles and several birds and fish species are supported. Even Galápagos hawks joined this frenetic activity, soaring above our heads and demonstrating that they are the top predators on land in the islands.
We then had a very close encounter with the top predator of the ocean – killer whales – which can be seen almost all year-round, feeding on fish, sea turtles or even other cetaceans. How amazing to see the youngest member of this pod breaching happily near the National Geographic Endeavour.
The walls of Punta Vicente Roca on the edge of the rim of Ecuador Volcano looked so impressive from a distance and approaching them with the zodiacs revealed they are teeming with life: marine iguanas soaking up the heat from the rocks; blue-footed boobies dancing on top of the cliff; frigatebirds resting on the ledges of the cliff; brown noddy terns flying in and out the caves, bringing food to their young; sea lions and fur seals playing; marine turtles gently swimming up to the surface of the sea to take a breath right in front of our eyes.
The day is going away, the sun is setting on the horizon but we all know that the memories of what we have experienced today will remain with us forever and ever.
