**** I know “FOY” Peter was looking forward to this post. So here ya’ go! Hope you enjoy it Peter!
After spending the morning exploring the mangrove forest at Elizabeth Bay, the Evolve headed off to Tagus Cove while we had lunch and relaxed.
These rocky cliffs toward the northwest on Isabela Island in the Bolivar Channel is where, according to what Fabrizio told us Pirates and Whalers used to anchor. And so, we did anchor and folks could do SUP….which the Missus loved and hadn’t done since we had been in June Lake. I did some kayaking…..we could even see names etched in the stone along the cliffs of the cove….sorry, too busy paddling to take photos.
Once done, we freshened up, then boarded the pangas, which took us along the cliffs. You can see some of the graffiti along the cliffs below.
The pangas took us to an area to do some snorkeling.
And this is where the Missus and I would have one of the most unforgettable moments in our travels. While just enjoying the clear ocean I felt like something or someone was watching us. Soon enough, an adult male sea lion started following us. He would dart between us and around us.
Showing off his “skills”. He seemed quite curious.
He apparently enjoyed the attention. Twice, when my attention got diverted, he came by and gave me a little “bump”, as if to inform me that he was the “star of the show”! Remember that you can’t approach wildlife and are supposed to stay at least 2 meters away. But what do you do when a sea lion going at like 25 miles an hour under water zooms toward you?
Several times he went to the rocks for a few seconds….I think he expected us to follow him? Because a moment later, he’d stick his head into the water looking for us!
Seeing us, he’d dive back in!
He just ignored the other folks snorkeling. Maybe he was curious about Asians? Anyway, this went on until we were back in the Panga. Fabrizio was quite surprised at this; he’s been a Naturalist in the Galapagos for almost 20 years and had never seen this behavior by an adult male sea lion before. The pups are very curious as was noted when that little fella tried to board our panga on Isla Plaza Sur. But this was a new one for him and of course, we’ll never forget this experience!
We got back to the Evolve and washed up. The day wasn’t over yet! We boarded the pangas and headed off for a tour of the coast. And we quickly came across an inhabitant we hadn’t seen yet on this trip.
See the little one “striking” a pose? Here’s a closed look.
Yes, it’s a penguin! The Galapagos Penguin is the only penguin found North of the Equator. And is only found on Isabela and Fernandina Islands. You just had to take a bunch of photos of these cute little ones.
And of course, there were Blue Footed Boobies!
Among all the other wildlife.
But for most of us; it was all about those penguins.
This one is enjoying the afternoon sun!
There was so much to see along the cliffs of Tagus Cove.
There are many caves along the shoreline here.
And we visited several.
It was quite stunning. Each day was a new adventure that seemed to top the experience of the day before! We almost didn’t want to head back to the Evolve!
Back on board we had a nice predinner snack and aperitif.
Watching the sun set in the horizon.
Before heading to our briefing for the following day by Antonio.
We were given this while having our little snack.
Which meant that we would be dining at the Captain’s table this evening. Yikes! Well, we did dress a bit better than on previous evening! We had a wonderful time chatting with Captain Jhon.
Man, that Guariche Crab Cake; made from blue land crab was super tasty….so much crab!
The Pork in Guava Sauce was also delish….almost like something I’d get back “home” in the islands.
Usually, the Missus and I would get one each of the appetizers/main….but on this day, these dishes sounded so good.
Dinner went well and we got back to our cabin….it had been quite a day, right?
But it was not quite over yet. Around 830pm an announcement came over the speakers for folks to head on over to the bridge. So, of course we did.
What was going on you may ask? Well, at this moment we were at Latitude 0°!
Even though we had already done Intiñan Equator Museum and Latitude 0° there, this was still quite exciting! Man, twice in two weeks!
This was quite an unforgettable day!
Thanks for stopping by!