Our first full day in the islands started with a bang. We added outstanding sightings and behavioral observations to our wildlife list. North Seymour has incredible birdlife, reptiles, and marine mammals that are visible from the trail as well as from Zodiacs along the shore. We visited Rabida in the afternoon. Many guests are now prepared for snorkeling. We observed lagoon birds courting and nesting in low light on the red sand. It is hard to describe in words, and even photographs don’t always capture the impact of these islands. You must come visit to believe.
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