Visitors to the uninhabited Western island of Fernandina were getting quite a show on Monday September 4, 2017, as the island’s volcano, the youngest in the archipelago, has sent off a column of steam and ash after a decade of calm coexistence with the island’s wildlife.

Fernandina is the islands’ most active volcano. It is located on the most western side of the Galapagos Islands, closest to the geological hotspot, responsible for forming all of the Enchanted Islands.

Yesterday’s eruption appears to be occurring between Cape Douglas and Cape Hammond on the far west side of the island but more information should be available over the next few days.

It is difficult to know how long the eruption will last but previous eruptions have lasted 1-15 days. Visitors on board of vessels crossing the archipelago are expected to have the possibility of seeing this majestic natural phenomenon from a safe distance today.