National Geographic Endeavour II rounded the north of Isabela to reach Fernandina, the westernmost and youngest island of the Galapagos. As the ship navigated, we woke up to see the majestic shield volcanoes of the islands all around us. These waters are very rich with an array of life. A pod of common dolphins was spotted in the distance. On land, we encountered large colonies of marine iguanas, sea lions, lava lizards, crabs, turtles, and various seabirds, including cormorants, blue-footed boobies, and penguins. While snorkeling, we spotted green sea turtles and marine iguanas feeding on algae beneath the waves. In the afternoon, we explored Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela by Zodiac. We encountered more wildlife, including Galapagos fur seals and lots of sea turtles, flightless cormorants, and Galapagos penguins. We celebrated as we crossed the equator, ending a wonderful expedition day.
5/6/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Isabela Island
Navigation brought us to the largest island in the Galapagos Archipelago, Isabela. Holding half of all land mass in the Galapagos, it has a diverse selection of ecosystems that we were able to visit. Urvina Bay was geologically uplifted in the 1950’s, taking two square kilometers of seafloor that was thrust upward, in certain areas up to four meters out of the water. Intertidal species were stranded inland, and we walked upon this area. Galapagos giant tortoises and land iguanas were found on our trail, and we were surrounded by Darwin finches and Galapagos mockingbirds. The afternoon brought us to Tagus Cove where we explored the surrounding waters, encountering Galapagos penguins and Pacific green sea turtles swimming among the kayakers and snorkelers. As the sun dipped below the horizon, adventurous hikers took a fast-paced hike to enjoy an incredible view of Darwin Lake and the immense island of Isabela.
