Isabela and Fernandina Islands
Early in the morning, the Polaris took us closer to Roca Redonda, a remote rock in the ocean off the northern side of Isabela Island. We circumnavigated around the top of a humongous volcano that emerged some time ago from beneath the ocean and is now home for many marine birds that roost in its cliffs.
After crossing the equator, King Neptune and his pirates came to baptize those souls that challenged to cross the equator aboard Polaris. Later on, we sailed along Ecuador Volcano and dropped anchor at Punta Vicente Roca. Our youngest guests received “panga” driving lessons while also exploring part of the marine reserve. All of our guests got to see the Mola mola, the giant ocean sunfish that might get up to ten feet large and appears to have no tail.
We came back for lunch and weighed anchor, heading to Punta Espinoza where we had some incredible snorkeling in calm waters among Galápagos penguins, green sea turtles, Galápagos sea lions, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, Galápagos bullhead sharks and other marine species. It was outstanding.
After coming back for a quick shower, we were ready to search for penguins and later hike over lava flows among marine iguanas, sea lions, and cormorants. A Galápagos hawk showed itself flying on an impressive hunting flight before the sunset.
Coming back to the ship we were soon ready for more recaps and to hear the program for the next day at Santa Cruz Island. Late in the night a red billed tropicbird, making a very shrill noise, landed on the Polaris teak deck and took a break. Meanwhile we were heading to Santa Cruz Island passing over the northern part of Isabela Island.
Early in the morning, the Polaris took us closer to Roca Redonda, a remote rock in the ocean off the northern side of Isabela Island. We circumnavigated around the top of a humongous volcano that emerged some time ago from beneath the ocean and is now home for many marine birds that roost in its cliffs.
After crossing the equator, King Neptune and his pirates came to baptize those souls that challenged to cross the equator aboard Polaris. Later on, we sailed along Ecuador Volcano and dropped anchor at Punta Vicente Roca. Our youngest guests received “panga” driving lessons while also exploring part of the marine reserve. All of our guests got to see the Mola mola, the giant ocean sunfish that might get up to ten feet large and appears to have no tail.
We came back for lunch and weighed anchor, heading to Punta Espinoza where we had some incredible snorkeling in calm waters among Galápagos penguins, green sea turtles, Galápagos sea lions, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, Galápagos bullhead sharks and other marine species. It was outstanding.
After coming back for a quick shower, we were ready to search for penguins and later hike over lava flows among marine iguanas, sea lions, and cormorants. A Galápagos hawk showed itself flying on an impressive hunting flight before the sunset.
Coming back to the ship we were soon ready for more recaps and to hear the program for the next day at Santa Cruz Island. Late in the night a red billed tropicbird, making a very shrill noise, landed on the Polaris teak deck and took a break. Meanwhile we were heading to Santa Cruz Island passing over the northern part of Isabela Island.
