Isabela and Fernandina Islands, 5/21/2025, National Geographic Islander II
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander II
Galápagos
We started the day circumnavigating the dramatic sea cliffs of Roca Redonda as the sun rose above the horizon. Later, a Zodiac ride at Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island revealed penguins, Galapagos fur seals, and flightless cormorants.
We were delighted to encounter a huge pod of Common dolphins on our way to Fernandina Island for our afternoon of activities. Many sea turtles and marine iguanas accompanied us as we snorkeled around the bay at Punta Espinosa.
The day ended with a glowing sky as we walked among marine iguanas, sea lions, and flightless cormorants. It was another memorable day in Galapagos!
From cold and blustery Scotland, and with her Chemistry degree certificate hot off the press, Tanya landed in the Ecuadorian jungle, over 30 years ago, a little shell-shocked for her first full-time job! Having decided her interests lay more in the n...
Today we had an incredible opportunity to explore Española Island, one of the most iconic and ecologically rich islands in the Galápagos archipelago. Our morning began with a peaceful kayaking session along the coast, where we enjoyed calm waters and beautiful scenery. We then jumped in for an unforgettable snorkeling experience, swimming alongside green sea turtles, playful Galápagos sea lions, and an impressive variety of colorful reef fish. After our aquatic adventure, we set foot on the pristine white sands of Gardner Bay, renowned as one of the top 20 most beautiful beaches in the world. The contrast of turquoise waters and bright sand was simply breathtaking. In the afternoon, we visited Punta Suárez, a truly magical and iconic site. Here we observed the unique courtship displays of the majestic waved albatross, one of the island’s most emblematic species. The trail also offered us fantastic views of blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, Galápagos hawks, and dramatic coastal blowholes. Española Island is the oldest of the Galápagos Islands above sea level. Today, its rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes reminded us why it holds such a special place in the heart of naturalists and visitors alike.
Today we had a very busy day discovering Floreana, an island full of stories, enigmas, and beauty. We started with a visit to the famous post office barrel, where we learned about the early human history in the islands. Water activities were a lot of fun with baby sea lions full of energy following us along the coast of Champion Bay. Moments of pure joy excited us throughout the day.
Our day began with an early morning landing on the moonlike terrain of Bartolomé Island, one of the most iconic sites in the Galápagos. The view from the summit was well worth the climb—360 steps led us to a breathtaking panorama featuring Pinnacle Rock, turquoise waters, and surrounding volcanic landscapes. Along the trail, our naturalists highlighted fascinating geological features, including spatter cones and lava tubes, evidence of past volcanic activity. We encountered lava lizards basking on sun-heated rocks and got a chance to discuss the processes of island formation and succession on this relatively young island. After the hike, we took to the water for snorkeling around Pinnacle Rock. Visibility was excellent, allowing us to swim alongside Galápagos penguins, sea lions, and a variety of tropical fish. Some guests were lucky enough to spot baby Galapagos sharks and even a green sea turtle gliding by. In the afternoon, we landed at Cerro Dragón on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. This site is known for its land iguana population, and it lived up to expectations. We observed several individuals resting on the trail.
