We had contemplated sunrise on Tortuga Bay, getting in when it opened at 6am, but it was too much for us both and we decided to relax. My granola and yogurt were on their last leg and they had served me well throughout the visit. Kathy had her coffee made and sat on the balcony enjoying it. I really wanted one more chance to see Tortuga Bay and the marine iguanas, so took off at around 7:45 for the two kilometer walk along the trail to the beach. It was another gorgeous day and the sun shown brightly down blocked only by the shade of the giant cactus trees along the trail. The sound of the ocean once again announces the approaching the beach and walking out onto Playa Brava the marine iguanas are all marching in procession from left to right along the beach and a few in the waves.

Marine iguanas all moving as one

Tortuga Bay

It is a sight to behold, these prehistoric creatures all walking along in unison as if one creature. I decided not to go to the lagoon again, but to spend some time around the rocks to the left where the iguanas were marching from. After a short time several visitors went into the water and given the chance for one last swim I didn’t have to think for long. The waves were mellow and the current, often strong here, was nowhere to be had so it was a pleasure to swim here with the iguanas on this short stretch of beach. It was hard to leave, but I had told Kathy two hours and I didn’t want to worry here again as I had the other day.

A resting Godzilla

Feeding on the rocks

Swimming in the surf

Once home, we headed to town to return her wetsuit that we had never needed by were glad we had just in case. While out we decided to stop and get a small lunch since we’d be heading to the airport shortly and flying to Quito. We stopped at a small restaurant that advertised a bowl of fish soup for $4.50 and decided to share it for lunch along with the side of rice that came with it. It was tuna with vegetables in a delicious broth that was so fresh like everything else here. It was our final meal on the island and it was another good one. Of course, there was one last piece of unfinished business before leaving town, and that was to share another scoop of homemade ice cream at our favorite deli.

Iguana rock

Swimming iguana

Feeding on the rocks

It was home to pack and wait for Marco to pick us up and bring us to the ferry at Itabaca Channel. We said our goodbyes to Marco and loaded on the ferry to cross. On the other side, who was there, but Aura, the owner of the home we stayed in, as she was also flying to Quito on the same flight. We were able to chat and tell her how much we appreciated the house and her hospitality. Everyone here in Ecuador, from Quito to the Galapagos, has been wonderful and patient. Kathy is able to speak some Spanish, enough to get around, while I know only a few words here and there. The Ecuadorians, though, were never frustrated when trying to get something across and were always pleasant no matter what. It was an amazing country to visit and one that I’d recommend to anyone looking for adventure and culture and, most importantly, warmth of the people here who among the nicest I’ve met anywhere.