Española Island
The National Geographic Polaris took us to the eastern side of the Galapagos archipelago. Española Island is one of the oldest islands on the Galápagos, and for sure one of the highlights of our expedition this week. There was no time to lose!
We decided to start very early in the morning, so at 6:00 a.m. we were already landing at Punta Suarez, our visitor site. We were surrounded by all kinds of animal species! Colorful marine iguanas, sally light-foot crabs, Española mockingbirds, sea lions, blue-footed boobies… and we had not walked more than 200 feet. But, we were looking for something else. Española Island is the only place where you can find the stunning Waved albatross. We kept on walking through the trail to arrive to the nesting side of the albatross. There are no words to describe the feeling you experience while observing these beautiful marine birds. May is one of the best months to observe the mating season of the albatross. We witnessed the albatrosses’ amazing and elegant courtship. We had plenty of time to sit on the rocks and watch this natural event and the wonderful view of the surroundings. From time to time we could see several albatross jumping off the cliffs. There were so many marine birds around us, all very active; this was great for our photo staff that took the opportunity to teach us many secrets about photography.
In the afternoon it was the time for water activities. We had moved with the National Geographic Polaris to Gardner Bay. To me, this place is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Two miles of white coralline sand, with a turquoise sea in front of us and sharing the place with hundreds of Galápagos sea lions!
The day was full of activities, but we are on the Galápagos Islands! We need to enjoy every minute in this paradise.
The National Geographic Polaris took us to the eastern side of the Galapagos archipelago. Española Island is one of the oldest islands on the Galápagos, and for sure one of the highlights of our expedition this week. There was no time to lose!
We decided to start very early in the morning, so at 6:00 a.m. we were already landing at Punta Suarez, our visitor site. We were surrounded by all kinds of animal species! Colorful marine iguanas, sally light-foot crabs, Española mockingbirds, sea lions, blue-footed boobies… and we had not walked more than 200 feet. But, we were looking for something else. Española Island is the only place where you can find the stunning Waved albatross. We kept on walking through the trail to arrive to the nesting side of the albatross. There are no words to describe the feeling you experience while observing these beautiful marine birds. May is one of the best months to observe the mating season of the albatross. We witnessed the albatrosses’ amazing and elegant courtship. We had plenty of time to sit on the rocks and watch this natural event and the wonderful view of the surroundings. From time to time we could see several albatross jumping off the cliffs. There were so many marine birds around us, all very active; this was great for our photo staff that took the opportunity to teach us many secrets about photography.
In the afternoon it was the time for water activities. We had moved with the National Geographic Polaris to Gardner Bay. To me, this place is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Two miles of white coralline sand, with a turquoise sea in front of us and sharing the place with hundreds of Galápagos sea lions!
The day was full of activities, but we are on the Galápagos Islands! We need to enjoy every minute in this paradise.
