Where in the world are Sandi and Tim?: The Galapagos Islands, Day 4

We make a wet landing in Urbina Bay and walk a stretch of 5 km of marine reef that has been uplifted by as much as 4 meters out of the water. A highlight of this excursion are the giant land iguanas and giant tortoises, as well as the opportunity to go snorkeling amongst marine creatures. The first we spot is a sting ray swimming next to our panga (above).

A female Green Sea Turtle slowly makes her way back to the ocean after laying her eggs in the sand on the hill above the beach.

Female Green Turtles most often only lay eggs every 2-3 years and spend the time between resting and foraging. Fertilization occurs underwater with only females emerging for nesting. Nesting space on sandy beaches can be somewhat limited due to the consistency of the beaches in the Galapagos being of volcanic origin. Clutch size varies from 50 to 200 eggs per nest and can take up to three hours to accomplish. After the eggs are laid the female will cover them with sand and press it down to protect them. When leaving she will attempt to cover any trace of her presence by flinging sand around the area of the nest. Despite her efforts, only 10 percent survive.

She's looking a bit tired.

A little further along the path we encounter a large tortoise.

We have so many good photos of land iguanas we're hoping you'll indulge us in what we'll just call, "Portrait of a Land Iguana".

Back on the boat we have time to relax as we head towards our daily snorkeling destination. A friendly Frigate bird follows our boat all day.

All of a sudden a shout is heard. Someone in our group spots a whale spouting in the distance and our pilot, determined to find it, aborts the snorkeling plan and heads off in it's direction.

He's rather elusive but we get close to see him breach several times.

We're distracted a second time by a pod of playful dolphins who are much easier to follow than the whale.

Back on course and the Frigate bird is still following us.

Unfortunately Sandi has a lesson to learn about photographing birds: always stay upwind or you'll have to have a shower and wash your clothes.

In the afternoon we visit Punta Vicente Roca on the northern part of Isabela Island. Here the remnants of an ancient volcano form two turquoise coves with a bay well protected from the ocean swells. This spot is ideal for a panga (dinghy) ride and some of the best snorkeling of our trip.