Isabela island

Up with the sun this morning, we have a light breakfast as we have a long boat ride to Isabela Island, the largest in the Galapagos. We head down to the pier where our backpacks are inspected and tag for entry into the island. Then we catch a water taxi our to our boat. It's a simple boat with plastic seats in rows, a cover over top- kind of like a school bus on the water. Maximum capacity 24. Our group is 24. Off we go, full speed ahead into open water for the next 2.5 hours till we reach the bay of Isabela island where we repeat the procedure to disembark ; water taxi, bag inspection, we then pile into a converted grain truck with bench seats and we are off to explore the island .

Our first stop is a lookout hill where we climb 50 steps to the top where we can see out to the ocean where we've just come from, identify some major land marks and get oriented to the island. Next stop is a mangrove tree area that marks the presence of fresh water, a commodity in high demand. This fresh water source merges with the salt water as the tide ebbs and flows.

From here we visit a lava tunnel formation, sea iguana breaking grounds, a flamingo feeding pond. next is lunch at a restaraunt ( fish in a coconut sauce or beef ) and passion fruit juice .

After lunch we head to the beach to play in the water and sand. After water play, the girls lie on the beach and the boys build a sandcastle. The water is green and warmer than ours, the sun is shinning and for many in the group this is an activity they have been hoping for. After about an hour, it's time to pack up and head back to Santa Cruz Island. Many sleep on the return boat ride home.

Back at the new hotel for the next 2 nights, folks change, get cleaned up and wander the streets till supper time, then a community meeting and debrief and we are done for the night. Tomorrow - more creature sighting and snorkeling on yet another island.