Santa Cruz Island, 11/30/2017, National Geographic Endeavour II
Aboard the
National Geographic Endeavour II
Galápagos
Today the National Geographic Endeavour II anchored at Academy Bay in front of Santa Cruz Island. This is the most populated island in the Galapagos and the home of a large population of giant tortoises.
Socrates was raised on Santa Cruz Island located in the heart of Galapagos Archipelago. After a childhood filled with swimming, scuba diving, rock climbing and volunteering in conservation projects, he grew very passionate about the outdoors and the...
Jim was born in rural New England where he quickly developed an appreciation for the outdoors and a love of exploration. Four years with the U.S. Navy further enhanced his appetite for travel. Always interested in the visual arts, he studied Televis...
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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!
