We spent the day today exploring the western coast of the large seahorse-shaped island of Isabela. In the morning, guests chose between a long, rocky two-mile hike and a shorter one-mile option. Along the way we saw giant tortoises, land iguanas, and many birds and flowers. Once back at the landing beach, some suited up for offshore snorkeling with sea turtles.
Later the captain anchored National Geographic Islander in Tagus Cove for an afternoon of went snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and offshore cruising by Zodiac. Highlights for the snorkelers were sea turtles, penguins, and a large black-tipped reef shark. The kayakers, with Jose and Santiago, found flightless cormorants and paddled alongside swimming turtles and sea lions. In the cool of the late afternoon, Gilda took a group of hikers above and behind Darwin’s crater lake where they had a lovely view to the north and down to the ship at anchor. Paul guided the Zodiac riders along the dramatic shore and they too found penguins, cormorants, sea lions, and pelicans. We had another full and interesting day in Galapagos!
