Today was our last full day exploring the Galapagos Islands aboard National Geographic Islander II, and we visited San Cristobal Island. We started the day by visiting Punta Pitt, the easternmost point in the archipelago. We observed various eroding tuff volcanoes. During our walk in the shrubby area, we found red-footed boobies nesting, perching, and resting. After the hike, everybody had an opportunity to swim, snorkel, and paddleboard in the fantastic bay. In the afternoon, guests enjoyed spending time on the white sand beach with charismatics sea lions. What a way to finish an amazing expedition around the Galapagos Islands.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 27 Dec 2022
San Cristobal Island, 12/27/2022, National Geographic Islander II
- Aboard the National Geographic Islander II
- Galápagos
Charles Wittmer, Naturalist
Charles was raised in the Galápagos Islands. He is the grandson of Rolf Wittmer, the first person documented to have been born on the island of Floreana after his parents, Margret and Heinz Wittmer, emigrated from Germany in 1932.
Read MoreShare Report
Galápagos Escape: An 8-Day Voyage
VIEW ITINERARYRelated Reports
4/29/2025
Read
National Geographic Islander II
San Cristobal Island
San Cristobal is the easternmost island of the Galapagos and one of the oldest. It has a wealth of human, geological, and genetic history, with a unique contrast among its habitats. Today we visited its most iconic sites, including Punta Pitt’s golden beach, which is made from volcanic material and is a resting site for sea lions. Its mountain is comprised of compact ash, known as tuff cones. This destination has a healthy colony of red-footed boobies, which are the least known in the archipelago, and we were surprised by the dance of blue-footed boobies and the beautiful great frigatebirds nesting near the trail. We also visited the western central coast of the island at Cerro Brujo, with one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago, with soft, fine white sand. Our day culminated with a beautiful sunset at Kicker Rock.
4/28/2025
Read
National Geographic Islander II
Española Island
Española Island is an older, eroded volcano with outstanding, unique wildlife. Although better known for the nesting bird colonies, Gardner Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on earth, not only because of its fine, white sand surrounded by colorful turquoise waters, but also for the sea lion colony that rests here. Punta Suarez looks as if nothing could live there, but as we walked along the loop trail, it unveiled highly concentrated nesting bird colonies. Included in its inhabitants is one of the most important, the waved albatross, which only nests on this island from April to December. We also observed Nazca boobies, colorful marine iguanas, lava lizards, and more. What a privilege it was for all of us to visit this special place.