Isabela and Fernandina
This morning we woke near the foothills of the Wolf volcano, which was surrounded by clouds. Birds soaring past kept us looking in all directions, and it was very good opportunity to talk about the Galápagos dark-rump Petrel’s relationship with the Hawaiian kind.
Isabela Island was formed by five shield volcanoes that are characteristic of oceanic islands. As we drew closer, we could see the basaltic lava flows that formed these islands over hundreds of thousands of years. Being less than 700,000 years old, this is a particularly interesting environment. Each island has a different species of Galápagos giant tortoises, and there are many species of land iguanas as well. The newly discovered pink iguana is the most celebrated discovery of the last couple of years.
The green color of the waters could be seen from our ship. These are also known as the up wells, which are rich in nutrients and responsible for the marine wildlife found around the area today. As we went along the coast we were able to count around thirty Pacific green sea turtles that normally live around the area.
As the Cromwell countercurrent, which is cold, hits Isabela and Fernandina at their base, we find cooler conditions for snorkeling, although it’s worth it to swim with the Galápagos penguins and the flightless cormorants. While on a Zodiac ride, we spotted a giant sunfish (Mola mola). I immediately went in the water and took underwater footage of it, and afterwards we have the chance to swim with Pacific green sea turtles, Galápagos sea lions, and even some Galápagos fur seals joined us today.
Fernandina, unlike other islands, has not yet been largely affected by introduced large species, making it the crown jewel of the Galápagos. It is within the two most pristine island ecosystems on the planet. The lava flows that make this formation are the most breathtaking landscapes of the archipelago. Hundreds of giant marine iguanas have taken over here, their size and color blending with the flows, making this an organic landscape that is quite interesting to watch. The iguanas together with the magnificent volcano makes this young island a one-of-a-kind experience that will be impossible to forget.
At sunset, as we walked back to the ship, more than being overwhelmed, we could feel the vibrating power of nature undisturbed under our skin.
