Isabella Island
After arriving on Baltra island which seemed full of cactii, we went by ferry to PTA Villamill on Isabella. A fascinating place full of natural wildlife like the flamingos, marine iguanas, numerous Galapagos birds including the blue footed booby and Darwin finches. We walked 18 Kms up Sierra negra volcano 9 up and 9 back.
Later that day, the Ecuador navy had us evacuate Tintorrellas island, when we were looking at the local species of marine iguana, white tipped sharks, crabs, Galapagos penguin and sea lions etc due to an earthquake at Costa Rica, as 'big waves' were expected! That stopped our snorkeling plans! However we were able to snorkel the next day. We also saw a breeding program for giant tortoises. Very interesting.
The next day we went to Concha Perla, here we snorkelled with a sea lion. He enjoyed it as much as we did. We also saw the massive mangrove forests. Incredible old. Not long After we got to snorkel with giant green turtles, and watched them graze the sea grasses - we actually had to get out of their way. A great thrill, right there in the ocean. We were thoroughly spent after that that day.
Santa cruz
Transport between islands is by 40 launches, although they feel like dinghies in those seas. The 40footers have twin 200hp motors and the 45 footers have two 300hp plus a 200hp! Traveling at 30 to 35 knots in open waters (rough seas).
More later......