Bartolome and Cerro Dragon , 11/26/2022, National Geographic Islander II
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander II
Galápagos
Our day began with a short Zodiac ride and a pre-breakfast hike on Bartolome Island, followed by a delicious breakfast and water activities. We visited Dragon Hill in the afternoon and spotted land iguanas, flamingos, marine iguanas, shorebirds, and sea lions. We admired the wonderful scenery and the amazing geological formations.
Born and raised in the Galápagos, Roberta Schiess Bahamonde’s grandparents were among the first permanent inhabitants of Santa Cruz Island, arriving from Switzerland in the 1940s. Her mother is also a naturalist guide in the Galápagos, so this is a p...
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Today, National Geographic Islander II anchored at Academy Bay on southeast Santa Cruz Island where we spent a full day enjoying amazing activities. Starting with a visit to a local farm in the highlands, we enjoyed Don Adriano Cabrera stories about life on the islands in the 60s. Afterward, we had the opportunity to visit “The Twins”, two interesting geological features located in the humid zone of the island. After a delicious lunch at a local ranch, we enjoyed walking among the giant tortoises along their migration route. There was even a couple mating while others grazed around us. Then we went to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the breeding program of the tortoises in captivity.
The last day of the expedition began with an early hike and a Zodiac ride at dawn, as the soft light of the sun illuminated the horizon, and fresh air filled the air. At sea, the sound of the waves gently crashed against the hull of the boat as we moved towards an area rich in wildlife. Boobies, with their vibrant feathers and courtship dances, stood out among the rocks, creating an image that would remain etched in memory. Seabirds soared across the sky and the rocky landscape of the islands surrounded us, forming a stunning contrast with the tranquility of the sea. In the afternoon, we headed to Cerro Brujo, one of the most impressive beaches in the Galapagos. Stepping onto the soft sand, it felt like we were walking on silk dust. The crystal-clear waters sparkled in shades of blue and turquoise, inviting us to explore its shores, while some sea lions rested on the rocks nearby. The serenity of the place, combined with the natural beauty, made this an unforgettable experience. The day culminated with a circumnavigation around the Sleeping Lion, a rock formation that rises majestically from the ocean. It was a perfect farewell to an expedition that left our souls filled with wonder at the nature of the Galapagos.
Our day at Española Island began with a breathtaking view of Gardner Bay, a pristine white sand beach surrounded by turquoise waters. We started the morning with an incredible kayaking session, followed by snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. Afterward, we enjoyed some time on the beach where we were warmly greeted by a colony of Galápagos sea lions. After a refreshing lunch on board, we made our way to Punta Suárez, a site renowned for its dramatic cliffs and thriving seabird colonies. As the hike came to an end, we were treated to the company of a stunning sunset, a perfect conclusion to an unforgettable day.
