Caleta Tagus, Isabela and Bahia Elizabeth, Isabela

We spent the day exploring different parts of Isabela Island. According to legend, Caleta Tagus was a favorite spot for pirates and whalers to look for fresh water. There are inscriptions in the rocks (we now call it graffiti). There was a hiking adventure that went up about 322 steps. We decided on the zodiac tour in the early morning and a snorkeling adventure later in the morning. Again, lots of sea life and lots of different rock formations that came as a result of the sea and the lava. One of the amazing sights was a group of golden rays. They are bright golden in the sunlight and seriously beautiful as they slid through the water. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a good picture of them but am including what I could take because of their golden color. Mainly, they look like golden blobs but they were amazing to see.

At Bahia Elisabeth, we mainly had zodiac tours because we went into a mangrove area. First, we saw a couple of islets called Las Marielas. To me, they looked more like a few rocks at the entrance to the mangroves but these little rocks were loaded with birds, crabs and penguins all fighting for space but staying together. Once inside the mangroves, it felt like we were in another world. Living in Florida, we have kayaked among the lush mangroves but this just seemed juxtaposed in a place that is mainly stark lava caves and walls with little plant life. We saw great blue herons, pelicans and penguins looking for fish, sea lions snoozing among the branches, and some other birds that belong in that particular ecosystem. It was quiet and serene and gave us a peaceful sense of being.

Snorkeling in the Galapagos is special! It is pristine, serene, and truly different from any place else we have ever gone. The water was a balmy 76 degrees. The ship provided short sleeved and short pants wetsuits. Once we got into the water, it was fine but the first splash in was tough for me. The views were superb. We saw lots of sea turtles both swimming and just lying on the sandy bottom. We also saw so many beautifully colored tropical fish. It was like swimming in an aquariums. Along with the fish, were the Galapagos Penguins and Sea Lions. We saw one momma with a nursing baby. We just stopped to watch them.

On our way to the mangroves, we passed a number of islets that are mostly rocks. On them were collections of sea birds and mammals all looking for fish. They really crowded each other and jostled for the best position.