It was a fun morning as we crossed the equator onboard National Geographic Islander. As soon as we arrived to Punta Vicente Roca, we lowered our Zodiacs and the adventure started. We found a large number of blue-footed boobies resting on small ledges of tuff cone. We spotted several young hammerhead sharks in the water; they even swam close to our Zodiacs! We returned to the ship to get ready for snorkeling. Pacific green sea turtles and Galapagos penguins surrounded us, and it was amazing! We spent the afternoon at Fernandina Island, where we saw hundreds of Galapagos marine iguanas, Galapagos sea lions, colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs and the predator of the archipelago, the Galapagos hawk. It was a fantastic day in paradise!
12/6/2023
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National Geographic Islander II
Isabela and Fernandina
Our day began with a mesmerizing exploration of Roca Redonda and Punta Vicente Roca. The morning sun cast a golden glow on the towering cliffs that define this part of Isabela Island. We navigated along the coast, observing the diverse marine life that thrives in these nutrient-rich waters. Notable encounters included playful Galapagos sea lions, elegant flightless cormorants, and sea turtles. Snorkeling enthusiasts were treated to a world beneath the waves and non snorkelers saw just as much from our glass-bottom Zodiac. In the afternoon, our expedition led us to the pristine shores of Fernandina Island. This uninhabited island is a haven for wildlife. The highlights were undoubtedly the iconic Galapagos marine iguanas basking on black lava rocks. As we carefully navigated the island's trails, we marveled at the otherworldly landscapes shaped by ongoing volcanic activity. A sighting of a Galapagos hawk soaring overhead added a touch of wild majesty to our exploration. The sense of isolation and raw nature in these untouched Galapagos corners reminded us of the importance of preserving these ecosystems. Our journey continues tomorrow, promising new wonders in this extraordinary archipelago.
