Due to the arrival of various discoverers and settlers over the years, most islands in the Galápagos archipelago have at least one Spanish and one English name. Also called the “Mystery Island,” Floreana has a unique human history, including failed business enterprises and disappearances in the 1930s. During the whaling era over a hundred years ago, Post Office Bay, north of Floreana, was a mandatory last stop for homeward bound ships. At a time when no official mailing system existed, sailors dropped letters in the Post Office barrel with hopes that a future traveler might hand-deliver them. This was the only way sailors could maintain communication with their families back home.
4/15/2025
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National Geographic Gemini
Isabela Island
Tuesday on Isabela Island began with a wet landing at Urbina Bay where guests ventured on a nature walk along gentle terrain shaped by dramatic geological uplift. The trail revealed fascinating coastal formations and offered close encounters with endemic wildlife, including our first encounter with Galapagos giant tortoises, land iguanas, penguins, and flightless cormorants. After the walk, guests had the option to swim or snorkel from the beach where the calm and clear waters provided a refreshing break before everyone returned to National Geographic Gemini. In the afternoon, we continued north toward Punta Vicente Roca. Guests gathered at the bow with the expedition leader to take in the striking volcanic landscape and learn more about the island’s natural history. The day’s exploration continued with a Zodiac ride along the coast of Ecuador Volcano, offering a closer look at the rugged shoreline and opportunities to spot wildlife, such as sea turtles, penguins, and Galapagos fur seals. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the ship crossed the equator, marking the moment with a pod of dolphins during sunset — a memorable finale to a day filled with discovery, connection with nature, and the wild beauty of the Galápagos.
