Cerro Dragon & Sombrero Chino
It was an early morning rise, but well worth it for those who sacrificed sleep for the fantastic light that awaited us at Cerro Dragon on Santa Cruz Island. The sunrise was beautiful, and we took full advantage of the Zodiac cruise to shore for photo ops. Once on land, what we first thought was a rock in the tranquil lagoon just off the beach turned out to be a group of marine iguanas. Our arrival was moments before they began to stir and start their day, their movements perfectly mirrored in the still water below them. It was a perfect opportunity for the photographers to practice shooting reflections, a recurring theme this week in discussion groups and outings. For many in the group it was the first time to really work a situation, to anticipate moments and lighting situations, and to look for different ways to photograph wildlife and their surroundings beyond first impressions. The remainder of our walk included several sightings of large land iguanas near their burrows and under bushes and large vistas of the bay where the National Geographic Polaris awaited to take us to another two outstanding snorkeling locations. Playful sea lions and large schools of fish were the stars of our snorkel at Guy Fawkes islets. The afternoon was spent at Sombrero Chino, snorkeling, kayaking, and relaxing on the beach, where many of us saw sharks, marine iguanas feeding underwater, and Galápagos penguins. A stunning sunset ended the day, but was the prelude for drinks under the stars, a BBQ feast, and tropical dancing. Yes, today was another full day onboard the National Geographic Polaris!
Jeremy Wesevich, age 8, who is traveling with his grandparents this week, had several answers when asked what his favorite part of the trip has been. He is doubtlessly not alone in being unable to choose one specific highlight for the week. “I loved swimming at the beach with the waves came up to us on the shore... and the sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs. It was great to see our photographs on the big screen in the slideshow too.” On a card he gave to his grandparents with souvenirs from yesterday’s stop in Puerto Ayora, he wrote, “I carry your heart in my heart because you brought me to Galápagos.” No doubt all of us will carry the Galápagos in our hearts after spending this magical week here.
It was an early morning rise, but well worth it for those who sacrificed sleep for the fantastic light that awaited us at Cerro Dragon on Santa Cruz Island. The sunrise was beautiful, and we took full advantage of the Zodiac cruise to shore for photo ops. Once on land, what we first thought was a rock in the tranquil lagoon just off the beach turned out to be a group of marine iguanas. Our arrival was moments before they began to stir and start their day, their movements perfectly mirrored in the still water below them. It was a perfect opportunity for the photographers to practice shooting reflections, a recurring theme this week in discussion groups and outings. For many in the group it was the first time to really work a situation, to anticipate moments and lighting situations, and to look for different ways to photograph wildlife and their surroundings beyond first impressions. The remainder of our walk included several sightings of large land iguanas near their burrows and under bushes and large vistas of the bay where the National Geographic Polaris awaited to take us to another two outstanding snorkeling locations. Playful sea lions and large schools of fish were the stars of our snorkel at Guy Fawkes islets. The afternoon was spent at Sombrero Chino, snorkeling, kayaking, and relaxing on the beach, where many of us saw sharks, marine iguanas feeding underwater, and Galápagos penguins. A stunning sunset ended the day, but was the prelude for drinks under the stars, a BBQ feast, and tropical dancing. Yes, today was another full day onboard the National Geographic Polaris!
Jeremy Wesevich, age 8, who is traveling with his grandparents this week, had several answers when asked what his favorite part of the trip has been. He is doubtlessly not alone in being unable to choose one specific highlight for the week. “I loved swimming at the beach with the waves came up to us on the shore... and the sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs. It was great to see our photographs on the big screen in the slideshow too.” On a card he gave to his grandparents with souvenirs from yesterday’s stop in Puerto Ayora, he wrote, “I carry your heart in my heart because you brought me to Galápagos.” No doubt all of us will carry the Galápagos in our hearts after spending this magical week here.
