Santiago Island, 2/13/2025, National Geographic Islander II
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander II
Galápagos
A day on Santiago Island was a true adventure of connecting with nature. We started at dawn, kayaking through the historic Buccaneer Cove, a pirate refuge that today offers us stunning views of volcanic formations. Snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters surprised us with a vibrant underwater world where two majestic manta rays gracefully glided by us.
In the afternoon, we explored the coast of Puerto Egas, home to the fascinating yellow land iguanas and nesting coastal birds. The day culminated with the fun of baby sea lions, leaving us with a sense of wonder and gratitude for the beauty and life we found in every corner of this natural paradise.
Domenica was born in the port city of Guayaquil and grew up on a small island called San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands, surrounded by sea lions and the beach.
Her love and curiosity for marine life led her to become certified as a Scuba Diver a...
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Today, National Geographic Islander II arrived in the western realm of the Galápagos. Early in the morning, the ship circumnavigated Roca Redonda, a unique geological formation that hosts a large colony of seabirds due to the strong currents that bring nutrient-rich waters. Later, we changed locations to Punta Vicente Roca, one of the most spectacular visitor sites in the Galápagos Islands. It consists of the remains of an eroded volcano, creating dramatic cliffs and underwater caves. The area is also a great place for birdwatching, with species like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and flightless cormorants commonly seen. In the afternoon, we moved to Fernandina Island, famous for its dense colonies of marine iguanas, which bask in the sun along the lava rocks. This area showcases one of the most pristine environments in the Galápagos, as Fernandina is the youngest and most volcanically active island in the archipelago. We had an extraordinary day of exploration in the Galápagos Islands.
Our day began with perfect weather for an early morning walk on North Seymour Island, a fascinating landmass that emerged millions of years ago from the seafloor due to geological uplift. As we explored, we encountered numerous magnificent and great frigatebirds perched atop the palo santo trees. Along the trail, we also spotted several blue-footed boobies returning to the island preparing to nest. The landscape of North Seymour is beginning to change with the arrival of the rainy season, and lush green foliage is replacing the dry scenery. After our visit to North Seymour, we set sail westward toward Rabida Island. From a distance, we could see the island’s striking reddish hue, a result of iron oxidation and volcanic erosion. The afternoon provided the perfect conditions for snorkeling along the beach, where our guests had a thrilling experience swimming with playful sea lions, colorful fish and, of course, the blue-footed boobies that captivated everyone. At around 5:00 PM, we returned for a walk along the beach to visit a lagoon where flamingos nest, and we encountered several Galapagos sea lions resting along the shoreline. Just before sunset, we returned to National Geographic Islander II, cherishing the unforgettable memories of this incredible day in the Galapagos.
