What a wonderful way to start the year in the westernmost region of the Galapagos. This area is right on top of the hotspot, and Fernandina is the youngest island in the archipelago. The geology and the wildlife are unique. We navigated here to see the popular Galapagos penguin, flightless cormorants, and the huge marine iguana colonies. We took a hike at Punta Espinoza in the morning, followed by snorkeling. In the afternoon, we took a Zodiac tour at a visitors’ spot known as Punta Vicente Roca. We closed the day with a wine tasting on the sky deck during a stunning sunset.
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
