Today our guests explored the westernmost realm of the Galapagos. During the morning, the entire group landed and snorkelled at Punta Espinosa, Fernandina Island. The highlights of the morning were the countless Galapagos marine iguanas that were basking at the shoreline as our guests explored the island. As well in the morning while snorkeling our guests observed Galapagos marine iguanas and green sea turtles feeding on sea weed over there rocks. For the afternoon, everybody went on Zodiac rides to experience Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island. This site offers an impressive view of a collapsed volcano. The rocky cliffs provide shelter for Galapagos fur seals and are a good perch for seabirds like Nazca boobies, brown noddy terns with chicks, flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins.
6/12/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Bartolomé and Sombrero Chino Islands
Warm ocean air and a colorful sunrise met us as we approached Bartolomé. Guests traveled by foot or Zodiac to experience the compacted ash landscape. On our first snorkeling excursion, we swam with diving penguins and sea creatures like whitetip and blacktip sharks, rays, and parrotfish. On the next snorkeling opportunity, we enjoyed seeing even more fish and sea stars! After lunch, we were back on the Zodiac for a third snorkeling opportunity. We dove in by Sombrero Chino. We spotted whitetip sharks, a school of fish, sea lions, pufferfish, and more. We ended the day by circumnavigating Sombrero Chino on Zodiac. We spotted more penguins. The community spirit that has developed over the week was evident as a Zodiac of guests serenaded Sarah on her birthday! Traveling to the Galapagos has made the world feel small. We have found common ground with guests and staff and made connections between our actions back home and the conservation of this beautiful archipelago. Written by Sarah Magnano and Robin Lockwood, Grosvenor Teacher Fellows
