Fernandina and Isabela Islands, 1/13/2024, National Geographic Islander II
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander II
Galápagos
Today we had the opportunity to explore one of the most nutrient-rich waters in Galapagos. This location supports the whole population of Galapagos flightless cormorants, 70% of the population of Galapagos penguins, one of the largest concentrations of Pacific green sea turtles, and the best area to observe cetaceans.
This location also has one of the best areas to observe striking geological formations.
Walter was born in a very small town on the mainland of Ecuador. His first trip to the Galápagos was when he was 12 years old, visiting friends and aunt, who had moved to the islands. From the first moment he saw the Islands, he fell in love with the...
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We had another spectacular day on San Cristobal Island, the fifth largest island in the archipelago. We anchored at Punta Pitt and did an early morning activity. Our guests chose between a Zodiac ride or a 1.5-mile hike around giant tuff formations. We were captivated by the marine bird colonies, and the show the sea lions performed while we snorkeled was breathtaking. Later in the day, while National Geographic Islander II navigated in the same waters that the famous Beagle did, we anchored at Cerro Dragon. Here we enjoyed a beautiful landscape of sand, lava, and ocean and we were astonished by the same view that Darwin and Captain Fitzroy observed and analyzed during their visit to the Galapagos. We completed our outing with a beautiful circumnavigation of the iconic symbol of San Cristobal, Kicker Rock.
Just Magical!! We explored an outstanding coralline sandy beach surrounded by surreal turquoise waters where the most charismatic animals of the Galapagos, sea lions, find their refuge. Kayaking, snorkeling, and walking are the activities of a morning filled with memorable moments which we will keep alive for a long time. A great variety of animal species call this island their home. One of these creatures is the majestic waved albatross, which uses this equatorial island for reproduction from April to December. A Zodiac ride in the afternoon brings us closer to the world of albatross, Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, mammals, and reptiles. Just phenomenal.
Today our expedition started with a kayaking exploration of Post Office Bay, a unique location known for its historic post barrel, where mariners left letters for others to carry to their destination. Here, our guests took part in the remarkable exchange of correspondence, a testament to the enduring spirit of human connection across the vast expanse of the ocean. For the second part of the morning, we embarked on a snorkeling excursion at Champion Islet, a site teeming with marine life unparalleled in its diversity and splendor. As our guest submerged into the turquoise waters, they were captivated by a colorful array of fish, corals, and rocky reefs. Among them, the brilliant parrotfish and graceful sea turtles captivated everybody’s attention. Our day culminated with a trek through the rugged terrain of Punta Cormorant, where among the volcanic landscape and lush vegetation we photographed a Galapagos sea lion posing for us.
