Today, our guests explored the westernmost part of the Galapagos. During the morning, we landed and snorkeled at Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island. The countless Galapagos marine iguanas basking on the shoreline were a highlight. While snorkeling in the morning, guests observed Galapagos marine iguanas and green sea turtles feeding on seaweed on the rocks. In the afternoon, we took Zodiac tours to experience Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island. The site offers an impressive view of a collapsed volcano. The cliffs are good perching spots for seabirds like Nazca boobies, flightless cormorants, and Galapagos penguins. At the end of the day, our hotel department offered a wine tasting to celebrate as we crossed the equator.
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