San Cristobal Island, 1/24/2023, National Geographic Islander II
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander II
Galápagos
San Cristobal has its own giant tortoise population, as well as endemic lava lizards and snakes. These are examples of adaptive radiation in the archipelago.
We have had a successful week full of great memories. The unique and friendly animals found in this group of islands are not found anywhere else on our planet.
Walter was born in a very small town on the mainland of Ecuador. His first trip to the Galápagos was when he was 12 years old, visiting friends and aunt, who had moved to the islands. From the first moment he saw the Islands, he fell in love with the...
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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.
We had a fantastic day in the Galapagos Islands. Floreana made an impression on us with its incredible natural beauty and extraordinary sightings. We visited three different sites on the island. Early in the morning, we went to historic Post Office Bay, where whalers used to anchor to drop off and pick up mail. Later, snorkeling in Champion islet was full of surprises. A whale shark passed below us! In the afternoon, flamingos and sea turtles offered wonderful photo opportunities during the golden hour at Punta Cormorant.
For our first full day in the Galápagos Islands we navigated for three and a half hours toward Bartolomé Island. This famous island is located on the eastern side of Santiago Island, with an area of only 1.3 square kilometers (0.5 square miles). On the early morning walk we appreciated unique geological formations, pioneer vegetation, and — after a 30-minute walk up 372 steps — our guests were rewarded with the most iconic view of the Galápagos. This view is featured in a scenic shot from the movie “Master and Commander.” After this activity we finished our time with an underwater exploration of Bartolomé’s marine life. Next we continued navigating for an hour and forty minutes toward Santa Cruz Island. We visited the northwestern side of the island to explore an area known as Dragon Hill, named after the endemic Galápagos land iguana. For our last outing today we enjoyed a 1.7-mile hike along a dry forest to spot some iguanas.
