The Galapagos, Ecuador (day 2)

Today started with a trip along the coast in the panga, followed by a snorkeling expedition at Punta Vincente Roca on Isabela Island. The coastline provided more photo opportunities for sea lions, blue-footed boobies, cormorants (flightless birds), pelicans, marine iguanas, and our first sighting of a penguin!!!!






The snorkeling was especially amazing! Besides the expected colorful fish all around in clear, clear waters, we swam with about 7 huge sea turtles, and about 5 sea lions spun in the water weaving in and out between us all. It was spectacular! They are so unafraid of us, and when we'd tried to swim away, they actually followed us! At one point I had a sea turtle on my right, a sea turtle on my left, and a sea lion playing and spinning in front of me, all within 2 arms length. Amazing!



The afternoon was spent on Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island walking the lava fields. The highlights here were learning about the geology of the landscape, a discussion about volcanos, & an explanation about endemic speciation. We saw more sea lions, crabs, and marine iguanas than you could count. You quite literally had to watch each step as they were everywhere, and you could easily step on one!












Tiring day..... But unforgettable mainly due to the swim with the turtles & sea lions!

Location:Isabela Island & Fernandina Island