2geonomads

Tuesday 3rd May 2016

Isabela Island/ Vicente Roca Point

After having travelled overnight from Santiago Island we cross the equator shortly before 6 am and arrive at Vicente Roca Point.

After having travelled along on the northwestern wall of the crater we round the corner and find ourselves on the southern side of the crater rim and in a bay well protected from the ocean swells. This is our anchor point for the morning and we are fortunate that we are able to take in the views from the balcony of our cabin.

The famous Ireland digestive system has been playing up overnight so I have to forgo the panga trip round the island. The other eleven passengers get to view much wildlife including a Sun Fish, Turtles, a Galápagos Hawk, Marine Iguanas, Penguins and Sea Lions.  

I make good use of the time to bring the blog up-to-date.

Back on board only a short break is taken and then it’s back again in the pangas and snorkelling under the high cliff walls for some. This time I do get on board but stay out of the water to be on the safe side as I don’t wish to suffer the indignity of being rushed back to the loo on board Tip Top 2.

The water is still fairly murky but we do gain good views of the Turtles and for the first time ( for me ) two very small Penguins.

Lunch is followed by a long period of relaxation on board during which the boat takes across to the island of Fernandina and Punta Espinoza.

During lunch we have a mass exodus from the dining room as the captain has spotted a Sperm Whale ahead of the boat. Although he ( or she) didn’t put on a spectacular performance we do get a wave of the tail as a finale.

At 3 pm we make a fairly tricky landing in shallow water and set off on a walk along the narrow stretch of land and lava rocks of Punta Espinosa which is home to an huge colony of Marine Iguanas, many of whom are much larger than we have seen to date. Sadly we again ample evidence of the high mortality rate among these unique creatures. The Turtles seem quite content to swim in the pools alongside the Iguanas and we also come across a couple of Sea Lions.

First sightings of Flightless Cormorants, the tiny Lava Lizards and some small Snakes which Sylvia assures Gail are harmless!

At long last we catch sight of the previously elusive Hawk, albeit at a fair distance.

Back on board Tip Top we are treated to the most glorious of sunsets to end what has been a glorious day.

Cheers

The Obese Ferret