Today was the first full day of our expedition with National Geographic Islander II. Very early in the morning, we took Zodiacs to Bartolome Island, where we climbed a wooden staircase all the way to the top for one of the most iconic views of the Galapagos Islands. During our Zodiac ride, we spotted the only warm water penguin in the world, the Galapagos penguin, which is also the third smallest. We counted about nine of these adorable creatures. In the afternoon, we took a walk along Cerro Dragon, where we saw almost a dozen Galapagos land iguanas all over the trail. Then it was back to the ship for a sunset cocktail.
6/9/2025
Read
National Geographic Islander II
Española Island
Today we had an incredible opportunity to explore Española Island, one of the most iconic and ecologically rich islands in the Galápagos archipelago. Our morning began with a peaceful kayaking session along the coast, where we enjoyed calm waters and beautiful scenery. We then jumped in for an unforgettable snorkeling experience, swimming alongside green sea turtles, playful Galápagos sea lions, and an impressive variety of colorful reef fish. After our aquatic adventure, we set foot on the pristine white sands of Gardner Bay, renowned as one of the top 20 most beautiful beaches in the world. The contrast of turquoise waters and bright sand was simply breathtaking. In the afternoon, we visited Punta Suárez, a truly magical and iconic site. Here we observed the unique courtship displays of the majestic waved albatross, one of the island’s most emblematic species. The trail also offered us fantastic views of blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, Galápagos hawks, and dramatic coastal blowholes. Española Island is the oldest of the Galápagos Islands above sea level. Today, its rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes reminded us why it holds such a special place in the heart of naturalists and visitors alike.
