Isla Isabela (Punta Moreno + Bahía Elizabeth)
After a long boat trip we arrived this morning at Punta Moreno on the west coast of Isla Isabela. Punta Moreno is known for its vast black lava fields and unique adapted flora.
We went ashore on a lava field. The vegetation found in this area is sparse and is mainly concentrated in the mangrove area and around the lakes. However there are 3 kinds of cacti found here: • Lava cactus (Brachycereus nesioticus): a pioneer species that grows directly on lava fields • Opuntia cactus (prickly pear): recognizable by its disc-shaped segments • Jasminocereus thouarsii (candelabra cactus): a large columnar cactus
The other attractions at Punta Moreno are the coastal lagoons amid black lava flows, which are home to several species of birds. You also have a panoramic view of 3 of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos: • Sierra Negra • Cerro Azul de la Isla Isabela • La Cumbre de la Isla Fernandina
After lunch we took the motorboat to Elizabeth Bay (Bahía Elizabeth), located on the west shore of Isla Isabela. This is an excellent spot for observing marine life. We motored past a few islands where you can usually see Galápagos Penguins. A colony of these magnificent birds inhabit a rocky islet at the entrance to Elizabeth Bay. This is one of the best areas to take pictures of these penguins.
Our motorboat drifted through a small passage lined with mangroves and eventually emerged into an enclosed cove. In the bay the motor was turned off and we were able to look in the sheltered waters for Sea Turtles, Rays, Flightless Cormorants and Sea Lions. Galápagos Hawks circled above us.