San Cristobal Island, 5/4/2019, National Geographic Islander
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander
Galápagos
This island is one of the oldest in the Galapagos Archipelago and home to an exceptional number of endemic and native plants. This morning was one of the best outings as it allowed us to see so many of the species exclusive to San Cristobal.
Walter was born in a very small town on the mainland of Ecuador. His first trip to the Galápagos was when he was 12 years old, visiting friends and aunt, who had moved to the islands. From the first moment he saw the Islands, he fell in love with the...
Growing up in a military family, Mark Coger has been traveling most of his life. While living in Japan, he developed his passion for videography. He began his venture in the field of video production by filming numerous events for a local high scho...
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We awoke early this morning in a famous pirate refuge, Buccaneer Cove, on Santiago Island, or as Ambrose Cowley immortalized it, King James’s Island. We explored its coastline in kayaks and later explored the underwater mysteries of Darwin´s favorite island with a snorkeling excursion. After enjoying National Geographic Islander II ´s meals and amenities, we relocated to James Bay. Today the wind conditions were favorable to explore another site of the dark colored coastlines of Santiago.
Isabela and Fernandina Islands are both volcanically active. Isabela is the largest island in the archipelago and is formed by five active shield volcanos, with Wolf Volcano being the highest point in the Galapagos. Fernandina, the youngest and most volcanically active island, last erupted in May 2024.
This day started early in the morning, as soon as the sun rose. North Seymour holds the largest magnificent frigatebird population than any other island in the archipelago. As you walk along the trail you can also observe yellow land iguanas and some blue-footed boobies. At this time of the year, the rainy season, the island is lush and very green. During the afternoon, we visited the well-known red sand island, Rabida. This island provides a perfect place for our first time snorkeling in the Galapagos. Later in the afternoon, we explored the brackish water lagoon behind the red beach where flamingoes calmly looked for food.
