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.
3/17/2025
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National Geographic Islander II
Española Island
Today, we had the opportunity to visit Española Island, the oldest island in the Galápagos, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. We began our morning with a kayaking activity in Gardner Bay where we encountered playful sea lions, majestic green sea turtles, and witnessed an unforgettable sunrise over the calm waters. After this peaceful experience, we disembarked onto Gardner Beach where we walked along the soft, fine sand of this magical place, home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the Galápagos. We even had the chance to swim with these incredible creatures, watching them play joyfully in the waves. In the afternoon, we explored Punta Suárez where we observed an astonishing variety of wildlife. We spotted Galápagos hawks soaring above us, marine iguanas basking in the sun, and lava lizards darting across the rocks. The Española mockingbirds, known for their curiosity, came close to inspect us. The abundance of wildlife in this amazing place was truly a sight to behold. What a wonderful day we had exploring Española!
