Today National Geographic Endeavour II reached San Cristobal Island. We are nearing the end of our voyage, and though one gets the sense that all has been seen this far in, still the surprises come. The morning hike was fertile with wildlife from start to finish, including one very playful cluster of sea lions which made today’s snorkeling experience.

There was so much to cherish out there today: panoramic views from the mountainside, unbeatable weather, a host of red-footed boobies and their young on the verge of taking flight for the first time. This place is centering in so many ways.

In addition to snorkeling, guests had the choice of paddlebording or taking an extended Zodiac cruise off San Cristobal’s coast—an offering made all the sweeter with the underwater vantage from the watercraft’s glass bottom. As the day drew closer to its end, we walked down Cerro Brujo Beach, where there were children playing between the tides while the birds above them wavered in an oncoming dusk.