Bartolome and Santa Cruz Islands, 12/10/2022, National Geographic Islander II
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander II
Galápagos
Galapagos has two very distinctive seasons in a calendar year. It is hard to decide which season is best for visiting this archipelago since we can observe amazing animal behaviors during both. Currently, we are in a transition time, switching from the cold Humboldt Current to the warm Panama flow. These two oceanic currents make Galapagos a special place where animals from different parts of our planet coexist in harmony.
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 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.
Our day began early in the morning with an invigorating kayaking session at Post Office Bay. As we paddled through the calm waters, we were greeted by the enchanting sight of dozens of sea turtles resting lazily near the surface. Along the shoreline, playful sea lions captivated our guests, providing an unforgettable start to the day. Following breakfast, National Geographic Islander II repositioned near Champion Islet where we embarked on a spectacular snorkeling adventure. The underwater world came alive with an abundance of colorful fish darting through the reefs. Playful sea lions joined us, adding a sense of joy to the experience, while sightings of whitetip reef sharks made the outing truly unforgettable. In the afternoon, we disembarked at Punta Cormorant for a hike to the flamingo lagoon, located just behind the landing beach. The vibrant pink hues of these elegant birds stood out as they fed on algae and crustaceans. We also spotted juvenile flamingos, their pale plumage hinting at their age. As the sun began to set, we returned to the ship, reflecting on an extraordinary day spent exploring the natural wonders of Floreana Island.
We started the day with a visit to Bartolome Islet, which allowed us to understand the formation and volcanism of the Galapagos. The hike gave our guests the feeling of being transported back to a time when the land was newly formed. Later, we practiced snorkeling to find Galapagos penguins, Pacific green sea turtles, sea lions, rays, sharks, and many colorful fish. In the afternoon we arrived at Cerro Dragon on Santa Cruz Island. The outing allowed us to visit the home of the yellow Galapagos land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus). We learned everything about this endemic reptile and the conservation efforts that allow us to enjoy this incredible destination. It was an amazing first full day in the Galapagos!
