Today, we set food aground on the eastern most island of the Galapagos. After a dry landing, we had a nice hike up the tuff cones of an old caldera. The impressive volcanic landscape and the geological features surrounding us were just stunning. Here the guests of the National Geographic Islander had the chance to choose either going on a hike or going for a Zodiac ride along the coast in search of red footed boobies. During the hike we spotted red footed boobies nesting on the cliffs, some of them were incubating eggs while others already had chicks. We also had the chance to spot an endemic centipede and three Chattam Mockingbirds. After the hike and the Zodiac cruise, our guests had time to enjoy the beach and jump in the refreshing water and some of us had the chance to play with baby sea lions.
During lunch we headed to an offshore islet located at the western coast of San Cristobal Island called Kicker Rock. The waters here are so deep that the National Geographic Islander could not drop anchor, so the ship simply waited alongside this isolated rocky outcrop. Our snorkeling enthusiasts jumped in the water around these titan cliffs to enjoy an amazing outing. We were lucky to spot Galapagos sharks, sea lions, white tipped reef sharks, spotted eagle rays and a large variety of colorful fish.
We returned back to our vessel and enjoyed late afternoon drinks on deck while circumnavigating this elegant tuff formation. We then travelled to our final anchorage at Wreck Bay off the coastal town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital town of the Galapagos.
