The morning started with our wellness specialist, who offered stretching sessions to revitalize our energy as we continue exploring the Galapagos Islands. We visited Urbina Bay, a very interesting visitors’ site at the foot of Alcedo Volcano. Vegetation is denser and greener at this time of the year. It is the rainy season, and it was clear that it rained last night. Along the trail, we found several freshwater ponds, a good indicator of the presence of giant tortoises. We saw one of these animals walking with a land iguana. Both endemic reptiles inhabit the islands.
We observed various species of Darwin’s finches on the branches of many unique types of plants, including saltbushes, thorny shrubs, seagrasses, manzanillo trees, Galapagos cotton, acacias, etc. This place has a wide variety of flora. After walking inland, we returned to the shoreline to a tiny black beach. We cooled off in the water and some of us swam from the coast to our ship, a journey of 1.8 miles.
Midday, our captain lifted the anchor and headed to Tagus Cove on Isabela Island. We explored the bay with different activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and Zodiac tours. The cove is beautiful with great scenery. The geology is astonishing, formed with tuff cones and pyroclastic material. Finally, the wildlife is incredible. We found many types of animals, including sea lions, baby pelicans, penguins, flightless cormorants, purple martins, seagulls, hawks, and more. What a great afternoon we had, and we enjoyed our time so much.
The Galapagos is an amazing place. Wherever you go, there is an adventure every day. We saw new things that we had never seen before, and we felt like we were in paradise. It is a privilege to be so removed from civilization and so far from the noise of cities. This place invites guests to relax, to slow down, to revitalize the spirit.
