Mark's Uncle David said that we HAD to go to different islands when we were here as they were all so different in terms of flora and fauna. Unfortunately, the only way to visit the other islands is by small speedboat, so I shall blame Uncle David for the bone-breaking 5 hour round trip we had to endure in order to see one other island. However, Mia and Lochy surpassed themselves and showed that they have become true salty seadogs as, whilst they felt a bit queasy, they weren't the children that threw up on the ride and it really was the kind of ride where people threw up!
Once on Isla Isabela, I will give it to him, Uncle David was right about the different wildlife. We were excited to see Galapagos penguins, blue footed boobies, white tipped sharks, flamingos and a ray, none of which we have seen yet in Santa Cruz. We even went snorkelling with the sealions and were most grateful for the inherited pink wetsuit from Samba as the Humboldt current brings exciting wildlife in the form of penguins, but also a decidedly chilly sea. Some more giant tortoises were also on the agenda, and one of them even opened its mouth, which was exciting!!
We had planned to stay overnight with Gruffalo who were anchored at Isabella, but they were moved on by the navy just as we arrived, so we waved from shore and chatted on VHF to wish them well on their onwards passage to Marquesas. Maybe we will catch up with them there. Once safely back on dry land, Mark and I wondered which island we should go to next. For a second. Then we decided, there is plenty more to see on Santa Cruz, before we leave next week.