Santa Cruz, 12/15/2021, National Geographic Endeavour II
Aboard the
National Geographic Endeavour II
Galápagos
To the north of Santa Cruz, we landed at Cerro Dragon and began the day with a hike to see Sally Lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas basking in the sun. Seabirds searched for fish and rested on rocks while waders fed from a lagoon behind the white sand beach.
Gray and leafless trees in the dense Palo Santo forest showed us that the rainy season has not yet arrived. The forest is home to several species of land birds, including finches, mockingbirds, warblers and flycatchers. We finally reached the hill where land iguanas live and nest. These iguanas are unafraid of humans and like to bask in the sun.
As the morning warmed up, we headed aboard to get ready for more action. While snorkeling off Guy Fawkes Island, we were excited by the abundant marine life, including tropical and subtropical fish. We saw sea cucumbers, starfish and sea urchins, and we spotted baby blacktip reef sharks and large whitetip reef sharks from the shoreline. Diving seabirds, parrots and jackdaws added some excitement.
We participated in energetic kayaking and paddleboarding in the afternoon and enjoyed an amazing sunset at night. What a great day exploring with unique animals!
Patricio, better known as Pato amongst his friends, was born in the Galápagos Islands. His family moved to the islands from the mainland and settled on the island of Santa Cruz over thirty-five years ago. Pato had an enchanted childhood in the island...
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Located in the western part of the archipelago, Isabela is the largest island in the Galápagos. It is known for its diverse wildlife and volcanic landscapes. This island has amazing visitors’ sites, including Urbina Bay and Tagus Cove. We started off a great day in Urbina Bay, located on the western coast of Isabela Island. The area is known for its unique geological features and abundant wildlife. The bay was formed when an uplift event occurred in 1954, causing part of the ocean floor to rise above sea level. Our guests observed and learned about marine iguanas, sea turtles, land iguanas, penguins, and flightless cormorants. The flightless cormorant and the Galapagos penguin are fascinating bird species endemic to the Galapagos Islands. Both are excellent examples of species that have adapted to their specific environments. The flightless cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi) is a large, black bird found nowhere else in the world. They are the only cormorant species that have lost the ability to fly. Instead of relying on flight to hunt for food, these birds adapted to a marine lifestyle. Strong legs and webbed feet make them excellent swimmers and divers. Their wings have reduced in size and can no longer support flight. Flightless cormorants feed primarily on fish, eels, and other small marine organisms found in the cold, nutrient-rich waters around the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) is the only penguin species found in the Northern Hemisphere, and it is the second smallest penguin species in the world. These penguins have adapted to the warm climate of the Galapagos Islands by developing several unique characteristics. They have a smaller body size compared to other penguin species, which helps them dissipate heat more efficiently in the hot, tropical environment. Galapagos penguins have a denser feather coverage, which provides insulation against cold water temperatures when they swim and hunt for food. They feed primarily on small fish and marine invertebrates. Both the flightless cormorant and the Galapagos penguin are considered endemic and endangered species. They face several threats, including habitat degradation, competition for resources, and the potential impact of climate change. Efforts are being made to protect their habitats and ensure their survival in the Galapagos Islands through conservation programs and strict regulations. These unique bird species serve as important indicators of the overall health of the Galapagos ecosystem. In the afternoon, we prepared for water activities, Zodiac rides, and an invigorating hike. What a great day we had in the Galapagos! Photo caption and photographer: Flightless cormorants. Photo by Ivan Vasquez
National Geographic Endeavour II rounds the north of Isabela to reach Fernandina, the westernmost island of the Galapagos and the youngest. Still navigating, we wake up to see the majestic shield volcanoes of these islands all around us. These waters are very rich in life of all kinds, from small creatures to large. Landing on Fernandina is like visiting a zoo where animals are everywhere except that there are no walls or cages. Packs of marine iguanas bask in the sun at every step, and sea lions chill on the sand and rocks. Later, we enjoy more wildlife on Isabela. We take a Zodiac tour to observe the imposing Ecuador Volcano. We celebrate as we cross the equator at the end of another wonderful expedition day.
