Isabela Island
After a calm night anchored by Fernandina Island, we began navigation early this morning towards Urbina Bay; we found ourselves surrounded by exotic landscapes. This morning we explored an uplifted place; this was Urbina Bay on Isabela Island. We anchored right where Alcedo volcano is found, one of the most impressive volcanic histories in the archipelago.
In 1954, a long coast line was uplifted 3.3 miles long up to a height of about 15 feet by the strong volcanic activity from Alcedo; we had the opportunity to explore this area and find lots of remains from marine creatures that were not able to move back in to the ocean when this event took place.
Along our way we encountered Galápagos land iguanas that were basking under the sun along the trail. Some of our guests were very lucky and found a juvenile Galápagos giant tortoise very well hidden under some bushes. As we were done walking, we arrived to the beach for a well deserved swim in the refreshing waters of Urbina Bay.
Punta Moreno was our afternoon place to explore. This isolated site is located between Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes where, after exploring the extensive lava flows, we came across small “oasis.” These natural brackish water ponds are the consequence of underwater filtration from the sea, and can be found way in the interior of barren lava flows that abound in the area. Lots of lagoon birds were found hiding in the midst of the thick vegetation. For us, one of the nicest surprises was to find some flamingoes, common gallinules, ducks and stilts all inside these pools.
We also went exploring through some small canals and pools by Zodiac. We found some spotted eagle rays, golden rays, and lots of sea turtles that made this a very interesting afternoon.
We are now on our way to Floreana and experiencing the rhythmic rolling of the sea.
