Tagus Cove - Isabela Island & Espinoza Point - Fernadina Island
Tagus Cove Shoreline
Heading toward Tagus Cove, we skimmed along the water's edge. Perched on the rocky coast line were Galapagos penguins. Nearby, the sea iguanas basked on the rocky shoreline. It felt like a privilege being able to witness everything in such close proximity.
Tagus Cove Hike Ashore
At Tagus Cove on Isabela Island we took the scenic hike to the top to get a good view of the volcanic landscapes, and the shimmering waters of the cove below. Along the trail, we spotted the Galapagos hawk perched on rocks just 3’ away. The trail is well-marked, leading you through diverse ecosystems that come alive with the sounds of chirping finches and rustling lizards.
Espinoza Point
Hundreds of sea iguanas piled on top of each other, like Jenga stacking of mini-Godzillas are spread across the rocks of Espinoza Point. Nearby, cacti are establishing a toe-hold on the rocks as pioneering plants; moving slowly towards progress of supporting more complex life. Really it just looks like a foot tall large group of penises. Relevant I guess, if we’re talking about starting life?? The dynamic ecosystem has you really thinking about the global environment. These sea iguana have adapted to be able to stay under water for extensive periods of time, eating moss from the rocks, and sea floor while they maintain a life saving grip on the rocks or log because otherwise the current would send them floating away. The pioneer plants defiantly conquer the arid and challenging landscape, starting to create the basis for other plants to grow, eventually. This was another opportunity for the crew to demonstrate their enthusiasm as passionate naturalists. Their excitement was infectious as each time they spotted something new and extraordinary (to us) they made sure to point it out to each and every one of us.
