Floreana Island, 8/5/2024, National Geographic Endeavour II
Aboard the
National Geographic Endeavour II
Galápagos
Today, we explored different sites on Floreana Island. In the morning, we went ashore to Punta Cormorant and had a great time observing dancing blue-footed boobies, feeding American flamingos, various species of finches, and green sea turtles.
After breakfast, we went to Champion Islet and saw a mother and calf humpback whale near the Zodiacs. Our guests also went snorkeling and explored on the glass-bottom boat.
After lunch, we went to Post Office Bay to follow the mailing tradition of old whaling ships. We also enjoyed kayaking in a nicely protected bay.
Gilda was born in Ambato, located in the very heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. Since she was a child, she loved animals, often rescuing street cats and dogs. Her parents always made sure there were nature books and plenty of Jacques Cousteau’s videos a...
Enter travel details to receive reports from a single expedition
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Send Daily Expedition Reports to friends and family
*By clicking the submit button, I authorize Lindblad Expeditions to email me; however, I am able to unsubscribe at any time. For more details, see our Privacy Policy.
Please note: All Daily Expedition Reports (DERs) are posted Monday-Friday,
during normal business hours. DERs are written onboard the ship only and do
not apply to land-based portions of expeditions.
Today’s expedition began at Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island, one of the most pristine and volcanically active islands in the Galápagos. As we stepped onto the black lava fields, we were greeted by marine iguanas piled together to absorb the early sun. In a moment that captured the curiosities of Galápagos, we spotted a lava lizard perched on the head of one of the marine iguanas, which is an iconic example of the island’s unique interactions between species. Just steps away, a flightless cormorant spread its wings to dry. These remarkable birds, having lost the ability to fly, have instead evolved into powerful swimmers, diving with agility beneath the waves. Along the coastline, a brown pelican standing on the canopy of a red mangrove tree was patiently waiting, then gracefully plunged into the water to catch some fish. In the afternoon, we navigated the dramatic coastline of Punta Vicente Roca at North Isabela. The towering cliffs, sculpted by wind and sea, framed the perfect backdrop for observing seabirds and marine life. The combination of volcanic landscapes, intimate wildlife encounters, and the beauty of nature made today truly unforgettable.
Today we visited the easternmost point in the Galapagos, Mount Pitt. This site is home to a nesting colony of red-footed boobies, frigates, and a few blue-footed boobies. During our morning hike we spotted not only these species, but a few endemic lava lizards, an endemic centipede, and a few finches. The afternoon was a very relaxing one, as we enjoyed swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Cerro Brujo and walking along its white sand beach. Later in the afternoon we circumnavigated the famous landmark known as Kicker Rock. It was a great day!
This morning, National Geographic Gemini anchored at South Plaza Island where we enjoyed a nature walk. We found the Galapagos land iguana, swallow-tailed gulls nesting, sea lions and Darwin’s finches. In the afternoon, we explored the underwater wonders of Santa Fe Island, including playful sea lions, turtles, a ray, and many different colorful fish. These amazing creatures made it an incredible experience! After a quick change of clothes, we went inland to look for the Santa Fe land iguana and the beautiful forest of giant Opuntia cacti. It was definitely a wonderful first full day in the Galapagos!
