Isabela Island, 11/13/2018, National Geographic Endeavour II
Aboard the
National Geographic Endeavour II
Galápagos
It is a real treat to be able to spend two whole days on the Western region on the Galapagos Archipelago. Isabela is the largest island in Galapagos, at over four
thousand square kilometers in size, and it is definitely one of the most
interested and varied. Formed by five major shield volcanos, it is the home to
several endemic species of marine and land creatures, unique in the world.
Gaby was born and raised in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Her first job in the Galapagos was on board a 90-passenger cruise ship as the cruise director’s assistant, and she fell under the spell of the Enchanted Isles. She returned to Guayaquil to study at the ...
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An early morning excursion is always invigorating. The sun rising behind the mountains of Isabela Island blended very well with an ocean as calm as glass and the spouting of an unidentified whale that always managed to conceal its identity behind the waves. The visit to Punta Espinoza was unsurprisingly wonderful. The sea lions, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and Galapagos hawks were there in all their glory. The snorkeling also offered plenty to see. The sunny Zodiac ride at Punta Vicente Roca was also very productive. We enjoyed flightless cormorants, sea turtles, brown noddies, pelicans, and boobies surrounded by a landscape to die for. It was a great day.
In the morning, we visited North Seymour Island where we enjoyed an unforgettable wildlife encounter. During our walk, we observed numerous great and magnificent frigatebirds nesting in the trees and shrubs, while blue-footed boobies nested on the ground. Along the trail, land iguanas roamed freely while feeding on cacti, completely unbothered by our presence and allowing our guests to observe them up close—a truly memorable experience. In the afternoon, we arrived at Rábida Island. From a distance, the island’s striking red color was visible, a result of the iron in the lava oxidized by the salty water. At Rábida, we offered snorkeling from the beach. Playful sea lions swam close to us, almost inviting us to join their games, and in deeper waters, colorful fish captivated our guests. After snorkeling, we returned on board and later headed back to the beach at 5 PM. Just a few steps from the landing site, we encountered many flamingos walking gracefully near us in a lagoon that has been their habitat for years. It was fascinating to watch them feed on small crustaceans while listening to their distinctive calls. Just before sunset, we returned to National Geographic Endeavour II feeling a little tired but thrilled after experiencing such a magnificent day in the Galápagos Islands.
Entering into the massive volcanic caldera that is Genovesa, we anchored very early to a welcoming committee of great frigatebirds, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. Genovesa has the only land-based visitor sites in the National Park north of the equatorial line and has the most concentrated population of seabirds in the Galapagos. This island is an outpost for the numerous avian species as it is on the outer perimeter of the Galapagos Archipelago and close to deep oceanic waters that provide an abundance of nutrition. Galapagos fur seals line the caldera wall as we land at Prince Phillip’s Steps. We also encountered nesting red-footed boobies and short-eared owls inland among the palo santo incense trees. The afternoon took us to a coralline beach with nesting great frigatebirds and swallow-tailed gulls. Galapagos sea lions laze upon the beach, with young pups awaiting their mothers’ return. The sun dips below the horizon as a golden glow bathes this isolated home for these incredible species.
