For the first time in 17 months we’re posting Daily Expedition Reports from National Geographic Islander in Galápagos. This simple act—the ordinary telling of the truth about an expedition day, as we have for decades—feels momentous. We are jumping for joy—knowing National Geographic Islander is on the move and guests are having the extraordinary experiences we have waited so long to provide. – The Lindblad Expeditions Team
We are so happy to be back home aboard the National Geographic Islander. Today is our first full day of expedition and our team is ready to explore the enchanted Galapagos archipelago.
This morning we dropped anchor in the channel between Baltra Island and North Seymour Island. We visited Seymour Island, which featured many seabirds, reptiles, sea lions, and a very colorful volcanic landscape. We were so happy to hike among birds of all kinds. We saw many active blue-footed boobies taking care of juveniles, male frigatebirds performing courtship behavior to attract a female, as well as swallow-tailed gulls, land iguanas, and Galapagos sea lions. On our Zodiac drive, we spotted animals specific to Seymour Island—the incredible red-footed boobies and the endemic fur seals.
In the afternoon, we arrived at Rábida Island and soon began our first exploration of the underwater world of the Galapagos, where we founded huge groups of fish, sea lions, sea turtles, and sharks. Later, we went back to the shore and hiked up to stunning observation points offering amazing views of the red island surrounded by turquoise waters.
The sunset on this perfect day with giant manta rays surrounding the National Geographic Islander. We felt extremely lucky to have these encounters on our very first day. We have fallen in love once again with this Eden-like world, where the wildlife accepts us as part of the natural landscape.
