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DAY 4, Wednesday

Tagus Cove, Isabela - Punta Espinoza, Fernandina

Be prepared for one of the most exciting days!

We start with a panga ride to the cove; it is absolutely unbelievable how we can find such an amazing large diversity of species in just 40 minutes. We saw lots of little penguins, blue footed boobies, pelicans, and starfish.

Six volcanoes flowed together and formed the largest Island in Galapagos: Isabela. 

On the walls of the island we can see the lava formation. There, the sea crashes abruptly and form little whirls and caves.

The blue footed boobies like to stay up in the high walls.

With the dinghy we can enter to one of the safest caves, there we can see stalactites and we can appreciate better how the caves were formed.

Marine iguanas use to take a sun bath on the upper rocks.

After the 40 minutes panga ride, we do dry landing to take a walk on the island. On our walk, we will soon discover a salt-water lagoon, plus a precious scenic overlook and spectacular view of the ocean.

The guides explained us that the lagoon was formed because the wall between it and the sea has infiltrations that allow water to come inland, the water on this lake is saltier than the sea because of the larger amounts of salt remaining after evaporation.

We also observed lava fields and volcanic formations; the lava fields are particularly impressing. 

You can appreciate lot of graffiti dating back to the 1800's till nowadays when the military marine boats landed here, there are graffiti written on the rocky cliffs too. 

For lunch we got a surprise…: Typical Ecuadorian food! Delicious! The dinning room was decorated very nice with our colorful tropical fruits.

We enjoyed of “fritada”: boiled and fried pork meat with seasonings, avocado, tomato, potato tortillas with cheese and baby corn salad.

After lunch, we crossed the Bolivar Canal that separates Isabella from Fernandina Island. 

It is nice to take a nap up on the sundeck or try to observe, if you are lucky, some whales’ tails, dolphins or sea lions riding the bow wave.

By crossing the canal you will notice the three surrounding volcanoes: Ecuador, Wolf, and Darwin.

There are diving possibilities at this point too. Take the chance! Remember that Galapagos is one of the best spots in the world to do diving.

In the afternoon we disembark at Punta Espinoza, FERNANDINA, the youngest and most pristine island found in Galapagos. This is one of the few places were we are able to see the fur-sea lions. These sea lions have a more hairy and thicker fur than the average Galapagos Sea Lion.

At this place we were able to see hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest colony in Galapagos, they bask in the sun along the rugged shoreline. They use to dive a lot to get their food, for that reason they need to spit out the excess of salt from their noses in funny movements.

Observe other species like sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their territory.  Flightless Cormorants build their nest on the point and Galapagos Hawks fly overhead. 

Recent lava flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast.  

You have the chance to do snorkel and have the opportunity to see many sea turtles swimming close to you.

During the walk we found a skeleton of a baby whale that apparently was sick and arrived to the beach to die.

Back on board we enjoyed of some delicious snacks on the sundeck.

and this beautiful sunset…

Like every night, one of the guides gave the next day briefing activities. The guides are always very enthusiastic and they answer whichever question you may have. The briefings lasts aprox. 30 to 40 min.

Tonight it was my turn to have dinner with the captain. We enjoyed a glass of white wine and delicious seafood prepared by our kind and very talented chefs.

It was our friend Laura’s birthday too, so the cook prepared a delicious cake for her, and she had to celebrate it at the Ecuadorian way… this means that she had to give a big bite to her cake.

On board the bar is open from 16:00 until late at night, you have soft and alcoholic drinks that you can order and you will need to pay at the end of the cruise.

Most of the cruises in Galapagos accept credit cards. Among the alcoholic beverages there is beer, wine selection, whisky, gin, etc.

Bringing your own drinks on board is not allowed.

Make sure of not drinking too much, being in company by such nice travelers and guides it can get too crazy. J !

By the way, there are Panama Hats (wrongly called, because the origin of this hat is Montecristi Village in the Ecuadorian Coast) for sale on board, either to protect you from the hot sun or to have a little fun.

Good night!

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