Isabela and Fernandina Islands
This morning found us navigating to the north of Isabela Island. We had grey seas and skies, quite a lot of wind and even some garua rain. But we also had good luck! At 6:30 a.m. we located a large pod of feeding common dolphins. Those who were on deck early were thrilled when dozens of dolphins leapt and surfaced just off our bow. I made a ship-wide announcement and everyone hurried to the decks; unfortunately the dolphins were more interested in chasing down their breakfast than playing with us. Hence, those who had decided to sleep in this morning were only able to spot a few of these handsome marine mammals.
While we breakfasted, the sun came out. Captain Hinojosa led the count down as we approached and crossed the equator line. Naturalist and Geologist Paula Tagle explained about the formation of Volcan Ecuador, several tuff cones and parasitic cones as we navigated close to shore. Then we headed off for a panga ride along the base of the spectacular reddish cliffs of Punta Vicente Roca. Beside the many huge and belligerent marine iguanas, we watched fur seals, sea turtles, noddy terns, feeding and resting penguins and flightless cormorants. Some of us spotted a feral cat and discussed the damage that this predator might wreck among the fearless island birds.
In the afternoon we took another panga ride along the lava coastline of Fernandina Island. Fernandina is a single shield volcano and is one of the most pristine tropical islands in the world. We were delighted to find two large manta rays feeding off Punta Espinoza. They did complete, looping circles and we could see their white undersides and gill slits. On shore there were sea lions frolicking in and around numerous tidal pools, groups of iguanas, nesting cormorants (one with a tiny, newly hatched chick), a Galápagos hawk and the usual abundance of gaudy sally light foot crabs and scurrying lava lizards. We spotted a few penguins resting on the lava with cactus behind them – what a strange and wonderful combination of plants and animals! As the sunset in a brilliant orange glow we returned to the Polaris. Once again our hearts and souls were full to bursting after yet another fabulous day surrounded by nature, peace and beauty.
This morning found us navigating to the north of Isabela Island. We had grey seas and skies, quite a lot of wind and even some garua rain. But we also had good luck! At 6:30 a.m. we located a large pod of feeding common dolphins. Those who were on deck early were thrilled when dozens of dolphins leapt and surfaced just off our bow. I made a ship-wide announcement and everyone hurried to the decks; unfortunately the dolphins were more interested in chasing down their breakfast than playing with us. Hence, those who had decided to sleep in this morning were only able to spot a few of these handsome marine mammals.
While we breakfasted, the sun came out. Captain Hinojosa led the count down as we approached and crossed the equator line. Naturalist and Geologist Paula Tagle explained about the formation of Volcan Ecuador, several tuff cones and parasitic cones as we navigated close to shore. Then we headed off for a panga ride along the base of the spectacular reddish cliffs of Punta Vicente Roca. Beside the many huge and belligerent marine iguanas, we watched fur seals, sea turtles, noddy terns, feeding and resting penguins and flightless cormorants. Some of us spotted a feral cat and discussed the damage that this predator might wreck among the fearless island birds.
In the afternoon we took another panga ride along the lava coastline of Fernandina Island. Fernandina is a single shield volcano and is one of the most pristine tropical islands in the world. We were delighted to find two large manta rays feeding off Punta Espinoza. They did complete, looping circles and we could see their white undersides and gill slits. On shore there were sea lions frolicking in and around numerous tidal pools, groups of iguanas, nesting cormorants (one with a tiny, newly hatched chick), a Galápagos hawk and the usual abundance of gaudy sally light foot crabs and scurrying lava lizards. We spotted a few penguins resting on the lava with cactus behind them – what a strange and wonderful combination of plants and animals! As the sunset in a brilliant orange glow we returned to the Polaris. Once again our hearts and souls were full to bursting after yet another fabulous day surrounded by nature, peace and beauty.
