Isla Isabela

We had another early start today as we headed to Isla Isabela, the largest of the Galápagos Islands.  We got to the pier and caught our water taxi to take us out to our private speed boat to take us on our 2-hour ride across the bay.  Once checked into the hotel, we headed to the tortoise breeding center where we were able to see how they are breeding these tortoises and the different types of tortoises that reside in the Galápagos Islands, dome-shelled or flat-shelled.  They had different areas for different ages.  We even got to see some research specimens that showed the different gestational ages of the tortoises.  After touring the facility, we took a short walk to the marsh area where flamingos have taken up residence, as well as other birds and lizards.  

After lunch, it was time to tour some of the smaller islands in the Bay of Tintoreras, where we saw sea lions, Galápagos penguins, Blue-footed boobies, pelicans, iguanas galore and of coarse sea turtles and sharks.  We took a short hike around one of the Islands, which is referred to as "an Hell on Earth" because it was formed of volcanic rock and can be quite treacherous.  It was breeding season for the iguanas so there were a lot of Baby iguanas everywhere.  

Next it was time to check out what was under the water and again were split into 2 groups for snorkeling.  We all were able to see giant green sea turtles - and all I can say is WOW - you cannot imagine how big these creatures are until you are swimming with them.  We could see more sea lions and some of the group were even able to swim in the channel with the wire-tipped reef sharks.  After nearly an hour of snorkeling, it was back on the boats to head back to town for dinner and bed, another big day was waiting for us.