Santa Cruz Island, 12/16/2024, National Geographic Islander II
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander II
Galápagos
Santa Cruz Island is located in the central part of the archipelago, and it is one of the most visited islands for its natural beauty and because it is the best island to observe and learn about the iconic Galapagos giant tortoises. Here, we get to experience the tortoises in their natural environment and at the Galapagos Giant Tortoise Breeding Center.
It was a full day filled with joy and learning experiences.
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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We spent the day on beautiful Genovesa Island. This place is outstanding, especially for those who love seabirds. Red-footed boobies and Nazca boobies were abundant along the trails. We observed plenty of juvenile frigatebirds, and even a few males displaying fully inflated red pouches. This place is special and definitely a great place for our last full day on the Galapagos Islands.
We started the day with a few prebreakfast activities, including stretching at Chinese Hat islet and kayaking in its stunning channel. We began exploring the area very early, which allowed us to spot various species in action, including sea lions and land and marine birds. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we got ready for water activities. During lunch, we sailed to Sullivan Bay, a stunning recently erupted lava flow with amazing geological features. The bay is home to the popular Galapagos penguin, with a small population of the only penguins living in the tropics. We ended the day with a beautiful sunset and enjoyed crossing the equator. It was another wonderful day in paradise!
The hot season begs for an early morning start, in order to avoid the crushing heat of midday at the Equator. The first activity on today’s agenda was kayaking around North Plaza Island, followed by breakfast. Afterward we enjoyed a land walk at South Plaza Island where sea lions, yellow land iguanas, prickly pears, red sesuvium bushes, and swallow-tailed gulls combine to perfection. After departure and while motoring to our next destination, National Geographic Islander II was surrounded by hundreds of bottlenose and common dolphins. Upon arrival in Santa Fe, we went for a walk among friendly sea lions, pale land iguanas, and giant prickly pears. The rocky trail could not distract us from the beauty of the place. The day finished with a BBQ dinner on board. Photographers : Fernando Ortiz and Roberta Schiess