Santiago, one of the largest islands of Galapagos is located west of Santa Cruz Island. With dense vegetation and tuff cones, it offers an impressive landscape.  

Early in the morning, our guests of the National Geographic Endeavour II started their activities at Espumilla Beach, the perfect spot for relaxation and adventure. Kayaking, paddleboard or snorkeling.  From the sea, nearby the beach, the golden colors of the sand combined with mangroves, just made the adventure even better.

Sailing further more towards the north of Santiago Island we anchored at Buccaneer’s Cove, an historical site where pirates and buccaneers used to come to refit their boats and search for water and food (Giant Tortoises).   Calmed ocean and wind gave us the opportunity to explore once again the coast looking for fur seals, sea birds, marine turtles and a rocky landscape surrounds the cove, like the praying monk, a volcanic plug, the guardian of this magical site.

In the afternoon James Bay was waiting for us.  A wet landing on a black sanded beach was the perfect moment for relaxing and enjoying beach activities. Our guests snorkeled or walked through an easy trail until they reached the grottos, or basaltic caves with open roof on the littoral, where fur seals sleep or come to play.