We started the day off with an early walk on Espumilla Beach. This sensational location has many attractions including a wonderful beach where sea turtles come to nest, a mangrove forest, and a fabulous view from a hilltop filled with huge, mature palo santo trees. Some guests went on a long hike focusing on natural history, while others chose a photography-specific walk with our naturalist/photo instructor Jonathan Aguas.
During breakfast, the National Geographic Islander repositioned to Buccaneer Cove. In the recent past, this place was a favorite haunt for pirates, buccaneers and privateers. Finding calm anchorages here, these visitors also exploited giant tortoise population for meat.
Conditions were excellent for snorkeling and kayaking in Buccaneer Cove. Snorkelers spotted many colorful tropical fish, reef sharks and Galapagos sea lions. Kayakers explored the rocky coast and had a blast under impressive tuff cliffs and in shallow caves.
After lunch I had the joy of giving one of my favorite presentations, a retrospective of the life of Charles Darwin. Immediately after, at around 1545, we disembarked at Puerto Egas. Here, guests could choose between a long peaceful walk along the coastline, or a whole afternoon swimming, snorkeling and/or relaxing on the black landing beach.
The walk followed a seaside path full of old lava flows and crevices. Shore birds and Galapagos fur seals were highlights among the amazing amount and diversity of wildlife to see. Brown pelicans and vibrant-colored Sally Lightfoot crabs stood out against lava formations. Several insect species, such as locusts and walking sticks, were also seen. As the day came to an end, we returned to the ship in the company of the sun’s last rays.
