Fernandina and Isabela, 8/31/2022, National Geographic Islander II
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander II
Galápagos
Our day began with the chance to point out a lot of geological features as we took a ride in the dinghies along a massive flank of Ecuador Volcano in Punta Vicente Roca. In the afternoon, we took a sunny walk on Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island. We spotted many iguanas among a bunch of sea lions.
Bernardo, known by his friends and family as Bernie, was born In the Andean city of Quito, located in the highlands of Ecuador. His grandfather, however, moved to the Galapagos Islands in the mid-70s, and worked as one of the first Naturalist Guides,...
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Santa Cruz Island means a day with giant tortoises. Today is the day to see the enormous reptiles, survivors from the time of dinosaurs. The morning started with a visit to El Trapiche Ecologico, a traditional farm that shows us how the settlers managed to produce the basics in the olden times, without electricity but with lots of wit and determination. Next, we headed for Los Gemelos, a pair of massive sink holes surrounded by the remains of the original forest and found in the highlands of Santa Cruz prior to the arrival of the first settlers. After Los Gemelos, it was about lunchtime, so we rode towards El Manzanillo, a private giant tortoise reserve that happens to serve amazing meals. Finally, a small group of us decided to visit the Rearing Centre for Giant Tortoises back in Puerto Ayora before returning to National Geographic Islander II for dinner, our evening briefing, and some live music.
Today was the last full day of our expedition and we explored Santiago Island. We started with a pre breakfast kayaking along Buccaneer Cove, where later in the morning we explored by snorkeling and by glass bottom boat. This place was full of wildlife and dramatic volcanic scenery. During the afternoon we went to Puerto Egas, where some guests decided to go for a hike and others decided to enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the beach. Sea lions were rolling around the shore and blue-footed boobies were plunging along the coast. What a great way to finish the day. Our guests will likely remember this adventure forever.
We arrived in the western realm of the Galápagos Islands. Early in the morning, National Geographic Islander II circumnavigated an emerging volcano called Roca Redonda, a great place to observe different kinds of seabirds. After breakfast we crossed the equator as we were navigating towards Punta Vicente Roca. We had the chance to observe Ecuador Volcano, which only partially remains due to the last eruption when half of it sank into the ocean. To complete the morning we had an incredible Zodiac ride followed by a snorkel excursion in the company of penguins, turtles, and sea lions. Later in the day we moved locations to the youngest island and home of the largest population of marine iguanas. We explored the shores, finishing off an amazing day here in the Galápagos Islands.
