Espanola Island: Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez, 6/13/2022, National Geographic Islander
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander
Galápagos
In the morning our guests departed the ship very early to explore the rocky shores of Gardner Bay. After breakfast, some of our travelers left to snorkel in deep waters and some spent time on the beautiful Gardner Beach to swim, snorkel, and relax surrounded by crystal clear waters, pure white sand, and sea lions.
In the afternoon, National Geographic Islander repositioned to Punta Suarez for our hikes in search of wildlife. We offered a long hike to the Galapagos albatross “airport” and a short version of that walk for more stationary wildlife observation at a slower pace.
Socrates was raised on Santa Cruz Island located in the heart of Galapagos Archipelago. He had a childhood filled with swimming, scuba diving, rock climbing and volunteering in conservation projects, so it was natural for him to grow very passionate ...
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We started our day early, setting out for Seymour Norte before breakfast. The island’s lush greenery was striking—a clear sign that the rainy season has arrived in Galápagos and with it, the seabird mating season. As soon as we landed, we were surrounded by numerous great and magnificent frigatebirds, some perched in the treetops while others soared overhead searching for food. Further inland, we encountered several land iguanas feasting on the fresh vegetation. Right beside them, blue-footed boobies captivated our guests with their presence. After breakfast, National Geographic Islander II navigated northwest toward Rábida Island. Following lunch, we enjoyed snorkeling off the island’s striking red beach. We spotted sea lions, colorful fish, octopuses, and even a few whitetip reef sharks. As we explored beyond the beach for our final outing, the sun broke through the rain creating a stunning rainbow. In the nearby lagoon, flamingos waded gracefully, feeding in synchronized movements—truly dancing in the rain. Just before sunset, we returned on board, tired but elated. This was an unforgettable day in this paradise called Galápagos.
Today our guests explored Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz Island is one of the most biologically diverse islands in the archipelago. It is home to the Galapagos National Park Service and the Charles Darwin Research Station. Together, these two institutions represent a hub for scientific study and conservation efforts that focus the attention on the restoration of the islands.
Our expedition to Punta Pitt on San Cristobal Island was an unforgettable journey. At dawn, we walked along a path surrounded by volcanic formations, revealing stunning landscapes at every turn. The striking contrast between the dark rocks and the lush vegetation immersed us in the raw beauty of nature. Throughout the hike, we had the privilege of observing blue-footed and red-footed boobies, finches, and mockingbirds up close. The presence of these majestic and unbothered birds fostered a deep connection with the environment. The beauty of the scenery, the refreshing air, and the harmony with the flora and fauna made this experience truly transformative, leaving a lasting impression on us. During the afternoon, we visited one of the most beautiful beaches in Galapagos, Cerro Brujo, where we enjoyed a relaxing stretching session accompanied by the sound of the waves. The beauty of the landscape made this expedition an unforgettable experience.
