Day 7: Isabella - Volcanic Lake, Kayaking, and King Neptune’s Wrath

This morning we got an early start at Tagus bay where we witnessed some of the oldest graffiti in the world dating to the 1600’s when passing ships would leave their mark.  

Our walk took us up a steep path to the top of a volcanic crater which was filled with a crystal blue lake. As we gained elevation the vegetation changed dramatically and we started to feel the cooler air in the highlands. 

We were treated to a great view of over 70 miles at the top.  We could look down the lava flow on the other side of Isabella Island and back towards lush green Fernandina and the other volcanoes we had passed early on the journey.   

The setting was quite stunning as the blue sea was contrasted by the green slopes and the dark black and red lava fields that were frozen in time as they stretched to the sea.  

After returning to the boat we had a nice snorkel session along a cliff wall where we swam with turtles, penguins, and marine iguanas.

Later we were offered a short kayak tour around the cove and then we settled in for a fresh fish lunch and a nap.  Our afternoon was highlighted by a superb snorkel session

at “turtle city” where we literally swam among more than 50 turtles that were in various states from relaxing on the sandy bottom some 10 feet below to cruising like a space ship between the bottom and the surface.  There were some larger fish like barracuda 

That put on quite a display as they darted in and out of us.  The wall we were snorkeling along had some excellent ledges that hid some very strange looking puffer fish and we even spotted a purple encrusted octopus.  When we got back to the Integrity yacht we were treated to a magnificent sunset and then raised champagne flutes to toast the crossing of the Equator line. 

Latitude: N00* 00*

It was a perfect scene as we sailed past the tip of Isabella Island with its 1000 foot peaks covered in lush green - very reminiscent of the Napali Coast in Kauai.   Then all hell broke lose as we were accosted by the crew who had dressed up as King Neptune and his merry band.  Apparently King Neptune was upset with us for not asking his permission to cross the Equator and all sorts of fun antics ensued including each member of the group making a supplicatory dance, the selection of a new Queen for Neptune, and then acting out various animals that we were assigned to become.  It was all good fun and we had many laughs through the night.

Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings…

Next: Santiago Island - Fur Seals, Spinner Dolphins & Sharks