Santiago Island is a fascinating place. Visited by sailors during the 1700s for giant tortoises, food, and fresh water, it has many unique characteristics. Colonies of marine iguanas on the coast and fur seals by the grottos are highlights for all visitors.
In the morning, we had a great Zodiac ride in Buccaneer Cove where we observed a colony of Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and blue-footed boobies. Snorkeling and glass bottom boat rides were fantastic, and guests really enjoyed them.
For our afternoon excursion, we sailed National Geographic Endeavour II to the southwest side of the island, to a place called Puerto Egas. On our nature walk we had the opportunity to observe fur seals swimming in the lava grottos, marine iguanas basking along the coast, and American oyster catchers with their hatchling looking for food along the rocky shore. We could not ask for more!
