We walked up the wooden walkway and soon reached the top of Isla Batolomé. From here, the most iconic views of the Galápagos are all in front of us. Isla Batolomé is shaped like a pear, with a long stalk that runs deep into Sullivan Bay. The pointy Pinnacle Rock are located on one side and are only then revealed in their full glory.
Viewed from the north, Sombrero Chino does look like a hat. But such a hat can be found not only in China, it is also very common in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
The most unique feature of Rábida island is its fine red sand beach. The white waves lap up against the red sand, a beauty that would be ranked on the top among all the beaches of the world.
Like many other mountain towns in Colorado, Ouray has been converted from mining-centric town to a tourists destination. It is a basecamp for the outdoor explorations of the beautiful San Juan Mountains.
Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island. Punta Vicente Roca is located at the mouth of the seahorse-shaped Isabela Island, with intense volcanic activity. From here, northward, we cross the equator and will return to the central waters of the archipelago.
Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island. It was definitely the most spectacular scene we have ever seen. We were surrounded by nearly 100 dolphins and sea lions speeding forward with us. Usually two or three dolphins were swimming side by side, riding the waves, playing and cheering. They burst out of the sea, drawing a beautiful arc, and then submerged in the water.
Bahía Urbina and Caleta Tagus, Isabela Island. Isabela is the largest island in the Galapagos Islands. Bahía Urbina, where we are in the morning, has the only species of tortoise that survives naturally in the archipelago. Afternoon time in Caleta Tagus, Darwin Lake is a lagoon separated from the bay by a narrow ridge. The lake is in the turquoise color and the branches of Palo Santo trees on the hills like arms embrace the sky. The scenery is very beautiful.
Punta Mangle, Fernandina Island. Punta Mangle is a small bay on Fernandina Island. Here we saw the courtship of the most iconic bird of the Galapagos Islands, the blue-footed booby; and learned about mangrove's unique features that have evolved to adapt to the high salinity of the water.
Punta Moreno, Isabela Island. Punta Moreno's landing site is a vast expanse of rugged volcanic lava fields. The occasional lagoons not only nourish the surrounding plants and shrubs, but also provide a place for birds to relish. Hardly anything can grow in the barren lava fields, but only tough plants like cactus can take root among the volcanic rocks.