Santa Cruz, 4/22/2024, National Geographic Islander II
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander II
Galápagos
With an invigorating stretching session on the top deck, our day started. We went on a cultural excursion, visiting El Trapiche Farm to see how they process organic products.
In the afternoon, we finished our lovely day by seeing giant tortoises in their natural habitat. It was amazing to walk among them as they roamed freely.
Bernardo, known by his friends and family as Bernie, was born In the Andean city of Quito, located in the highlands of Ecuador. His grandfather, however, moved to the Galapagos Islands in the mid-70s, and worked as one of the first Naturalist Guides,...
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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.
