Tuesday, in the morning, National Geographic Endeavour anchored at the foot of Alcedo Volcano on the island of Isabela; the largest island in the Galapagos and the only one formed by six large young volcanos.
Alcedo is known throughout the world for having the largest endemic tortoise population. Here is where we have organized our early morning visit with a wet landing on a black sandy beach followed by a walk where we expected to see attractions found only here. The visit began with a short explanation of the endemic and native vegetation. Soon, on the path we have a large territorial Galapagos land iguana in very bright colors, laying close to a number of burrows where others nest. In the same area there were giant tortoises, protecting themselves from the sunlight that by 9 a.m. turns the visitor site warm enough for all of the creatures that live here.
We had a nice exploration all along what clearly looked like a nesting ground for all these reptiles we easily found in the area. Following this we went back to the beach where we landed to go swimming and cool off after our great walk.
We then moved to another destination for the afternoon. Our plan was to visit Tagus Cove, farther north on the same island. Our activities began there with kayaking along the coast of the visitor site where the observation of penguins, cormorants, and pelicans is great. Deep water snorkeling was the next of the options for our explorers, as well as and to a walk to a viewpoint at the foot of Darwin Volcano where Tagus Cove is located. By 6 p.m. rumors of satisfaction were what we heard from all the explorers heading back to the ship. It was a great day!
