San Cristobal Island, 5/26/2023, National Geographic Endeavour II
Aboard the
National Geographic Endeavour II
Galápagos
San Cristobal is an island of extremes. It features one of the driest places in Galapagos and one of the most lush and verdant areas. We had the opportunity to explore and experience both areas. This ecological range is the reason Galapagos species were forced to adapt to different vegetation zones, thus practicing natural selection.
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...
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Exploring Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island offered a chance to witness the unique beauty of the Galápagos, with its green olivine beach and unique wildlife. We visited a nearby lagoon and spotted flamingos and other shore birds.
Española is the oldest island in the Galapagos Archipelago and therefore it has probably the most endemic creatures on an island. This morning our guests had the first opportunity to take a dip in the Pacific Ocean and to practice their snorkeling skills in the turquoise waters at this incredible white sandy beach. After some snorkeling from the beach, many opted for a relaxing stroll where numerous Galapagos sea lions were found simply taking a nap or relaxing along the shoreline. What a great experience! For the afternoon hike, we put on our best walking shoes and embarked our Zodiacs to explore one of the most strenuous but rewarding national park trails, Punta Suarez. We were very lucky to observe what are likely the last waved albatross before they leave for a couple of months after the breeding season. Also, Nazca boobies, sea lions, lava lizards, mockingbirds, and countless marine iguanas were some of the wildlife we encountered. It was such an amazing afternoon at this world-renown living laboratory!
It was the last full day of our expedition, and we spent it at San Cristobal Island. This island was the first one visited by Charles Darwin and it continues to fascinate visitors. In the morning, we went to Punta Pitt, and during our hike we saw blue-footed boobies performing their famous courtship dance and we observed the beautiful red-footed boobies. In the afternoon, we visited Cerro Brujo where the gorgeous white sandy beach was the perfect place to end a fantastic week in paradise!
