Just before breakfast Beluga motored across to Fernandina Island – the newest island in the group and because it is the West most Island – it is the least visited.
Dry landing for us at Punta Espinoza – and because this is still the youngest Volcano not much plant life – but plenty of wildlife.
Lots of Marina Iguanas, Sea Lions and flightless Cormorants, Galapagos Penguins and we saw our first Lava Heron. Nice long walk around the Island.
Back to the beach – same went swimming and snorkeling while the rest of us went back to Beluga.
Lunch and the Beluga was travelling again – this time we are heading to Punta Vicente Roca. This is our afternoon spot for snorkelling. No landing because the land is all high cliffs and no where to land. The water can be cold – and this seems to suit all the wildlife – lots around. This area is under Wolf Volcano – the highest and the most recent to smoke and let some lava flow. We did not see any of this because the lava flow was on the other side of Isabela and we passed that at night – tonight.
Must tell you about the Frigatebirds – they followed us on this last trip – some landed and had a rest on the boat but mostly they just flew with us. Got more great photos of them and some very close and personal as they came down to check out the sundeck. Up to this point we have only seen them flying and not nesting on land.
After the guys and girls had been snorkeling – we all got onto the pangas to look for “Sunfish”. We rode the waves – about 1 metre out for about 20 – 30 minutes but did not see a sunfish. This is a very large fish which looks like a dinner plate with a fin like a shark. As I said – the waves were big and one hit us and only one person got a wet bum – yes I was me.
Back to Beluga to dry off and we are moving again. This time very close to the cliffs and great photos of the birds, fur seals, and Penquins. and then on to the most awaited moment – crossing the Equator – all up to the bridge – a glass of bubbly – and big cheer as we see 000.000.00 on the GPS.
Had to turn and do it again – so we crossed it three times – only one drink – something is wrong here !! We actually crossed it again during the night on the other side of Isabela.
This was the longest sailing we have done – because the Beluga continued to travel during the night and we arrived in Puerto Egos on Santiago Island.