Today’s plan is to visit Targus Cove & Urbina Bay, part of Isabela Island on MS Beagle.
This morning’s activity is to hike to the top of Targus Cove, for the view over Black Cove on the other side. On the way we pass the brackish Darwin’s Lake.
Days in the Galapagos follow the same pattern – dull grey and overcast early in the morning, clearing to bright clear sunny conditions by 10-11am, and back to grey and overcast in the afternoon.
Today’s snorkelling was in Tagus Cove, the water was very cold, which was promptly forgotten when a playful sea lion decided I needed a remedial swimming lesson and tried to show me how to do barrel rolls and deep dives to buzz the local population of Pacific green turtles.
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In the afternoon, we navigate to Urbina Bay, passing by some hunting orcas, and on arrival at Urbina Bay in the panga, we find black-tipped reef sharks patrolling the beach. Having by-passed the sharks, we land on the beach and a short walk inland, encounter our first land iguanas and young turtles hiding in the roots of the trees.
On our return to the beach, the reef sharks have resumed their patrol, and are startled by the arrival of the panga to collect the shore party. Some fast footwork is required by the panga crew to get back into the panga with all of their toes intact.
