It was a great day of exploration in this fascinating archipelago. We visited the northern side of Santa Cruz. We could clearly notice the difference between the opposite sides of the island. In the morning, we explored the inland area, where Galapagos land iguanas can be found in a dry forest. We found more than a dozen of these beautiful reptiles. For the afternoon, we navigated to Borrero Bay where we could choose to explore the coastline by paddleboards, kayaks or on a Zodiac. We finished our day circumnavigating Daphne Major and then sailed into the sunset towards tomorrow’s destination.
4/15/2025
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National Geographic Gemini
Isabela Island
Tuesday on Isabela Island began with a wet landing at Urbina Bay where guests ventured on a nature walk along gentle terrain shaped by dramatic geological uplift. The trail revealed fascinating coastal formations and offered close encounters with endemic wildlife, including our first encounter with Galapagos giant tortoises, land iguanas, penguins, and flightless cormorants. After the walk, guests had the option to swim or snorkel from the beach where the calm and clear waters provided a refreshing break before everyone returned to National Geographic Gemini. In the afternoon, we continued north toward Punta Vicente Roca. Guests gathered at the bow with the expedition leader to take in the striking volcanic landscape and learn more about the island’s natural history. The day’s exploration continued with a Zodiac ride along the coast of Ecuador Volcano, offering a closer look at the rugged shoreline and opportunities to spot wildlife, such as sea turtles, penguins, and Galapagos fur seals. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the ship crossed the equator, marking the moment with a pod of dolphins during sunset — a memorable finale to a day filled with discovery, connection with nature, and the wild beauty of the Galápagos.
