Probably the most striking region of the Galapagos Archipelago is the west, which comprises Isabela and Fernandina Islands. These are the youngest islands, both of which have experienced volcanic eruptions in the last twelve months. The Cromwell Undercurrent upwells here, bringing nutrients from the depths of the Pacific Ocean; these constant upwellings make this a highly productive area, with various endemic species of the Galapagos benefitting from it.
5/12/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Floreana Island
We started our day early at Punta Cormorant just as the sun came up. Nearby, the rocky outline of Devil’s Crown stood out in the distance. As we landed, sea lions were waiting on the beach, giving us a lively start to the morning. During our walk, we visited a large brackish lagoon that’s known for attracting flamingos. We were lucky to see a few of them, which can be rare depending on the season. The highlight of the day was snorkeling at Champion Islet. The water was calm and clear, and we saw a wide variety of marine life. Sea lions swam nearby, and we spotted plenty of colorful fish. In the afternoon, we went kayaking in a quiet, protected area, sharing the space with sea turtles and rays. We finished the day at Floreana Island’s Post Office Barrel where we joined the tradition of leaving and/or taking a postcard for hand delivery upon our return home. A beautiful sunset ended the day.