Retired Nomads - Part 2 : Urbina Bay, Isabela & Punta Espinoza, Fernandina

Urbina Bay, Isla Isabela

This morning we had a wet landing for an easy walk for about 1.5 hours. On our walk we saw many land tortoises, land Iguanas and finches. There was an opportunity for snorkeling from the beach after the hike, except the surf was pretty rough and we passed on the opportunity. We were fortunate to see a baby turtle make its journey from the nest to the ocean. (it really wasn't turtle season) It kept at it despite being knocked way back by the waves only to start all over again. Finally, it got close enough and a big wave took him out to sea. We all cheered! (then joked after all that work that something probably ate it - circle of life and all......)

Greg in blue

me on the right

Pacific Green Sea Turtle nests

Finches

he tucked his head in as we walked by....

Greg walking by it on the path

bird remains

tortoise poop

tortoise

Finches

spider

me taking a photo

inchworm on a flower

hermit crab

Land Iguana

my, I'm a handsome devil

we interrupted potential iguana porn....

and he's not happy about it

she is ready

baby Pacific Green Sea turtle making journey to the ocean

this wave finally took it out to sea

We had the best lunch of the cruise today. Up on deck they had a BBQ (with real charcoal) where lobsters, huge prawns, chicken, steak, tons of sides and yummy desserts with sangria poured freely. Then scenic cruising along the coasts of Isabela and Fernandina islands searching for whales and dolphins. (none sighted on this trip) We did see whales in the distance one morning on deck as we were watching the sunrise.

dessert of course!

lobster, prawns, steak, chicken, brats, & more.....

scenic cruise while we ate

Sangria!

on our mid-day break we took a few photos of the ship

Darwin Restaurant

Punta Espinoza, Isla Fernandina

This afternoon we had a dry landing and had a hike on an uneven but flat trail about 1 mile 2.5 hours. Here we saw piles and piles of marine iguanas. So cool to see them sneeze out the salt from swimming in the ocean. You really had to be careful not to step on them there were so many and they blended into the lava. We also saw the flightless cormorants here. Lots of playful sea lions here as well. We skipped the snorkeling from the beach after the hike.