Fernandina gave us another fantastic day in the Galapagos! The gifts from nature began early in the morning with a couple of Bryde´s whales and a megapod of at least 500 common dolphins purposing next to our ship. Then we went for breakfast and got ready for our hike in the pristine and youngest island of the archipelago. Our hike took place in Punta Espinoza, where the largest colony of marine iguanas basks and snorts out salt regardless of our presence. The area where we walked was a young lava flow thought to be the product of an eruption in the 1800´s with a view of La Cumbre Volcano that erupted in September of last year. Here we also saw flightless cormorants, an iconic species of the islands, nesting with a couple of the cutest chicks. Then it was time for snorkeling, where we spotted penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, and some guests even saw an octopus!
Back on board we had a delicious lunch and while the ship sailed to our next destination, the megapod of dolphins reappeared in our dining room windows!
The afternoon was also packed with activities. First we had a very interesting talk on the life of Charles Darwin by our expedition leader Vanessa, and then we went for a Zodiac ride along the cost of Punta Vicente Roca, a magnificent cliff where we spotted the Galapagos fur seals, Nazca boobies, and brown noddy turns, as well as the usual suspects like sea turtles, flightless cormorants, and sea lions. Even a manta ray and a sunfish came around our Zodiacs.
To finish our day we went for a wine tasting on the sun deck, where some pirates showed up and pushed us over the plank to cross the equator line. What a fantastic way to end our day in the Enchanted Islands. Now all there is to do is wait for the adventure tomorrow will bring.
