Isabela & Fernandina
Today I woke up with high spirits. The paradoxical beauty of this archipelago is a real inspiration. The islands we visited today are a living proof of the latter statement. A beautiful mix of isolation, remoteness and wild mysticism can be felt floating in the air around these realms. Surprises and amazement were the common factors that made us believe we were living a dream, a fascinating one.
Early in the morning we circumnavigated Roca Redonda. This volcanic formation is the tip an enormous underwater volcano. We observed how the sun was rising up in the horizon in the company of many different species of marine birds flying very close to the Polaris. Later in the morning we crossed the equatorial line having as witness the impressive view of the nearby Ecuador volcano. A wonderful blue sky, calm oceans and pleasant warm breeze were the premonition that we will have a blast of a time in the area and we certainly had it! The Zodiac ride along the coastline was one of the best we have had this year. The mighty giant sunfish (Mola mola) was observed at a very close range. An unusual ray, the Mobula was not less admired; we were so close we could observe the beautiful pattern of its markings. A large group of playful and curious Galápagos fur seals were a true delight. The icing of the cake came next for we observed Galápagos penguins sat together with a flightless cormorant. In a nutshell we had the thrill of photographing the two flightless birds of the Galápagos in the same frame. Both species are considered very rare for their populations are small. Snorkeling was excellent we had a great experience swimming face to face with he endangered green Pacific sea turtles. Many of us had the thrill to swim with penguins.
The afternoon around Fernandina Island just confirmed that this day will be remembered for a long time. Young black lava flows home of prehistoric-looking large groups of marine iguanas and relaxed basking Galápagos sea lions were framed by a thin hale of sun rays. We felt just like back in time surrounded by this wonderful panorama. Once onboard praising commentaries about the day filled our lounge, happy faces of admiration proved that this day was great. Our hearts and minds filled with new emotions and memories that will remain there forever. The magic of the Galápagos has touched us once again.
Today I woke up with high spirits. The paradoxical beauty of this archipelago is a real inspiration. The islands we visited today are a living proof of the latter statement. A beautiful mix of isolation, remoteness and wild mysticism can be felt floating in the air around these realms. Surprises and amazement were the common factors that made us believe we were living a dream, a fascinating one.
Early in the morning we circumnavigated Roca Redonda. This volcanic formation is the tip an enormous underwater volcano. We observed how the sun was rising up in the horizon in the company of many different species of marine birds flying very close to the Polaris. Later in the morning we crossed the equatorial line having as witness the impressive view of the nearby Ecuador volcano. A wonderful blue sky, calm oceans and pleasant warm breeze were the premonition that we will have a blast of a time in the area and we certainly had it! The Zodiac ride along the coastline was one of the best we have had this year. The mighty giant sunfish (Mola mola) was observed at a very close range. An unusual ray, the Mobula was not less admired; we were so close we could observe the beautiful pattern of its markings. A large group of playful and curious Galápagos fur seals were a true delight. The icing of the cake came next for we observed Galápagos penguins sat together with a flightless cormorant. In a nutshell we had the thrill of photographing the two flightless birds of the Galápagos in the same frame. Both species are considered very rare for their populations are small. Snorkeling was excellent we had a great experience swimming face to face with he endangered green Pacific sea turtles. Many of us had the thrill to swim with penguins.
The afternoon around Fernandina Island just confirmed that this day will be remembered for a long time. Young black lava flows home of prehistoric-looking large groups of marine iguanas and relaxed basking Galápagos sea lions were framed by a thin hale of sun rays. We felt just like back in time surrounded by this wonderful panorama. Once onboard praising commentaries about the day filled our lounge, happy faces of admiration proved that this day was great. Our hearts and minds filled with new emotions and memories that will remain there forever. The magic of the Galápagos has touched us once again.
