Española Island

The morning finds us anchored at Gardner beach, Española Island, the oldest of the Galápagos Islands. Jason, our expedition leader woke up us very early and before breakfast some of us went for our first kayaking along the coast of this old island. Despite the rain, we had a wonderful experience. It seems that we have entered another world: one where iguanas bask on the rocky shorelines like sculpted dragons, where sea lions play, sleep and romp like pups, and where birds show no fear to humans. This is the world that Charles Darwin visited in 1835, and which shaped evolutionary science forever by inspiring his then-novel concept of natural selection and survival of the fittest.

Our morning was spent on Gardner Bay, where some guests went for the first deep water snorkel experience of the week, and others went to the beach to try out equipment and techniques. Once on the beach, we were surrounded by a few female sea lions and their young ones, who shared with us not only the beach but our towels and backpacks. Without any fear or concern, these wonderful creatures smelled, touched and inspected everything that belonged to us. After a little while they realized we were not harmful to them and decided to stay and have a little nap.

Soon after, the deep water snorkelers had the chance to explore the beach as one. This beach is one of the most beautiful spots on the entire archipelago. Once the morning was over, we all went back on board National Geographic Islander for a hot shower and an outstanding Ecuadorian buffet lunch.

In the afternoon we visited Punta Suarez, one of the richest wildlife locations in Galápagos. Sea lions and marine iguanas were there as we stepped ashore. Further along the trail we found blue-footed and Nazca boobies. The highlight of the afternoon was the endemic waved albatrosses. While admiring these fascinating animals, we also notice lava lizards, mockingbirds and Darwin's finches. The trail was arduous, but the rewards were many!