It is six thirty in the morning as we listen to our weather update, the call to get ready for another great adventure onboard the National Geographic Endeavour. We are anchored at the northeastern coast of Espanola Island, the southernmost island in Galapagos. The visitor site is called Gardner Bay where our explorers get ready for a full morning, starting with deepwater snorkeling.
The Zodiacs are loaded and our explorers are ready for an encounter with the underwater beauty. We have a memorable time seeing schooling tropical and reef fish and playful sea lions. Next, we head to the beach, where we know the encounters with sea lions and other wildlife will be exceptional. Our explorers conduct their own discovery along this nice white sand beach. At the end of the morning’s exploration, we paddle kayaks along the shore.
The afternoon catches the National Geographic Endeavour anchored at the most westerly point of the island. Punta Suarez is a well-known nesting area, which provides a close encounter with different varieties of birds close to the walking area. Soon after disembarking, we walk ahead entering the place where the Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies and waved albatross are located. Playful mockingbirds, fearless Galapagos doves and Darwin finches make the walk especially enjoyable. As we carry on the walk, the island offers geological attractions such as a blowhole where the scenery is unreal.
On the last part of the path, we encounter a big gathering of albatrosses dancing, making the most of what’s left of the mating season. Most of the baby chicks are ready to begin a long journey to the open sea, which will keep them busy for the next seven years. It has been another successful adventure and all our explorers feel satisfied and grateful.
