Heading south along the western coast of the island of Isabela, we come across a really special visitor site, where the idea is to spend the morning close to the most iconic organism on land you find in this archipelago.
All explorers on board are excited to explore Urbina Bay, and the path that we are exploring this morning is located at the foot of Alcedo volcano, one of five large volcanos in the largest island. This beautiful volcano, standing tall in front of the National Geographic Endeavour, is one of the conservation inspirations we have locally; by the mid-nineties The Park Service was deeply concerned with the eradication of feral goats and pigs, which had been attempted unsuccessfully for forty years. Alcedo is the location of the largest wild tortoise population in Galapagos, and the niche was torn apart by the presence of the feral species that have been introduced. It was so bad and out of control that the foraging tortoise’s fields are now like deserts and they have nothing to eat, and our tortoises would soon begin starving to death unless we did something.
The population of the tortoises in Alcedo has caught the attention of the conservation groups around the world, and from gathering efforts of different sectors it was possible to put together the project that would conclude a few years later with the extermination of these feral animals, not only in Isabela but also on several more islands where they were totally out of control.
We walk along the path lined with giant tortoises, witnessing our excitement, Galapagos land iguanas and birds around are making the walk great and fun. We end our excursion back on the beach where we landed, and here we make use of the platform to take a quick dip in the ocean, to cool ourselves a bit and swim with the cormorants and penguins as they fish. What a great morning!
We then reposition the ship for our afternoon activities. This will take place in Tagus Cove, with options including deep water snorkeling, kayaking and a fantastic Zodiac ride. There is so much to see at this location, below the waterline and above it, that there never seems to be enough time to experience everything!
After our water excursions, we have a nice long walk, up to a fantastic viewing point, where the scenery is breathtaking. What a perfect way to end another magical day in Galapagos!
