Española Island
Our morning started with a nice visit to Punta Suarez; this is a special location on the island of Española that deserved a lot of our time, and that is why we set aside a large portion of the morning to complete the nearly two an a half mile trail that goes along the coastline. Disembarkation was a challenge, since the lowest tide of the month kept the usual disembarkation area completely dry. As we approached the dock, tons of marine iguanas were already feeding, taking advantage of the low tide and the exposure of their main food, algae.
Sea lions were also a challenge; they had taken the flat cement jetty as their resting area, making us practically climb over them to reach the beach. It was fun and strange at the same time to feel that we were surrounded by wild animals, and to see how they showed the least interest towards us.
Shortly after, we were surrounded by blue-footed boobies, Nazca Boobies, frigate birds and a whole array of sea birds that inhabit this paradise.
It was not until midway through the trail that we found the emblematic species of the island, the waved albatross. The arduous rocky path is literally the home for several individuals that use it constantly as a landing strip. Young adult albatross were also found close to the cliff, perhaps getting ready for the long journey that awaits them.
It was overall an invigorating walk with many highlights, and content we returned to our home, the National Geographic Polaris.
The afternoon was a totally different experience; the options for kayaking, snorkelling, glass bottom boat and beach time made it difficult for the guests to choose, and that is why the majority simply decided to do it all!
It was six in the afternoon and we decided to call it a day. Once on board, the opportunities to share our experiences came during our traditional recap, and a glass of wine or a cocktail was the perfect combination to celebrate an unforgettable experience!
Our morning started with a nice visit to Punta Suarez; this is a special location on the island of Española that deserved a lot of our time, and that is why we set aside a large portion of the morning to complete the nearly two an a half mile trail that goes along the coastline. Disembarkation was a challenge, since the lowest tide of the month kept the usual disembarkation area completely dry. As we approached the dock, tons of marine iguanas were already feeding, taking advantage of the low tide and the exposure of their main food, algae.
Sea lions were also a challenge; they had taken the flat cement jetty as their resting area, making us practically climb over them to reach the beach. It was fun and strange at the same time to feel that we were surrounded by wild animals, and to see how they showed the least interest towards us.
Shortly after, we were surrounded by blue-footed boobies, Nazca Boobies, frigate birds and a whole array of sea birds that inhabit this paradise.
It was not until midway through the trail that we found the emblematic species of the island, the waved albatross. The arduous rocky path is literally the home for several individuals that use it constantly as a landing strip. Young adult albatross were also found close to the cliff, perhaps getting ready for the long journey that awaits them.
It was overall an invigorating walk with many highlights, and content we returned to our home, the National Geographic Polaris.
The afternoon was a totally different experience; the options for kayaking, snorkelling, glass bottom boat and beach time made it difficult for the guests to choose, and that is why the majority simply decided to do it all!
It was six in the afternoon and we decided to call it a day. Once on board, the opportunities to share our experiences came during our traditional recap, and a glass of wine or a cocktail was the perfect combination to celebrate an unforgettable experience!
