We started our day early in the morning. We navigated near Punta Vicente Roca, the collapsed caldera of Volcano Ecuador in the northwestern realm of Isabela Island. We observed the majestic outlines of Fernandina and Isabela’s shield volcanos standing tall around Canal Bolivar, which divides the two islands.
After a delicious breakfast on board National Geographic Islander II, we proceeded across the equator. Groups of guests took Zodiac tours to explore the coast because the site’s geology precludes disembarkation. We observed fur sea lions, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and the impressive flightless cormorant.
After an amazing experience, we snorkeled under great conditions. We observed marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, sea lions, flightless cormorants, several species of fish, and green sea turtles feeding on seaweed.
In the afternoon, we took a hike. The highlight was the countless Galapagos marine iguanas basking along the shoreline. We went for a walk and felt like we were transported back to a time when the land was newly formed. Located in the western realm of the Galapagos, Fernandina is the youngest island of the archipelago. We closed the day with a sunset wine tasting. The western islands are formidable!
