Today's activities started in the best way: a morning hike on Dragon Hill! This unique place is located in the north part of Santa Cruz Island. Due to the rainy season, this typically dry forest showed us a very rare and temporary greenish hue all over the landscape. Thanks to this, we were able to enjoy dozens of Galapagos land iguanas sunbathing, fighting and eating. After the typical and tasty Ecuadorian Lunch, we enjoyed a quick talk with the National Geographic photographer Todd Gipstein, sharing with us his techniques for shooting photos in the islands. Then, it was time for kayaking, paddle boarding and a Zodiac riding, according to our guests’ preferences. And to finish this great day, we had a wine tasting with a very prominent rainbow over the mystical Daphne, lure of the contemporary evolution basis thanks to the experts biologists Peter and Rosemary Grant and their Darwin Finches. Another day in paradise!
4/15/2025
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National Geographic Gemini
Isabela Island
Tuesday on Isabela Island began with a wet landing at Urbina Bay where guests ventured on a nature walk along gentle terrain shaped by dramatic geological uplift. The trail revealed fascinating coastal formations and offered close encounters with endemic wildlife, including our first encounter with Galapagos giant tortoises, land iguanas, penguins, and flightless cormorants. After the walk, guests had the option to swim or snorkel from the beach where the calm and clear waters provided a refreshing break before everyone returned to National Geographic Gemini. In the afternoon, we continued north toward Punta Vicente Roca. Guests gathered at the bow with the expedition leader to take in the striking volcanic landscape and learn more about the island’s natural history. The day’s exploration continued with a Zodiac ride along the coast of Ecuador Volcano, offering a closer look at the rugged shoreline and opportunities to spot wildlife, such as sea turtles, penguins, and Galapagos fur seals. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the ship crossed the equator, marking the moment with a pod of dolphins during sunset — a memorable finale to a day filled with discovery, connection with nature, and the wild beauty of the Galápagos.
