Bartolome and Santa Cruz Island, 7/20/2024, National Geographic Islander II
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander II
Galápagos
Today, we explored Bartolome and Santa Cruz Island.
We had special moments spotting wildlife throughout the day. We saw the Galapagos penguin, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, land iguanas, and several sea creatures during our snorkeling activities.
We finished the day with our traditional recapitulation of our day onboard National Geographic Islander II.
Javier 's passion for birds and nature began as a child exploring the Pyrenees mountains with his father. The mystery that surrounds the Lammergeier silhouette triggered his curiosity and interest towards wildlife. Javier studied biology in Spain and...
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Our day at Española Island began with a breathtaking view of Gardner Bay, a pristine white sand beach surrounded by turquoise waters. We started the morning with an incredible kayaking session, followed by snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. Afterward, we enjoyed some time on the beach where we were warmly greeted by a colony of Galápagos sea lions. After a refreshing lunch on board, we made our way to Punta Suárez, a site renowned for its dramatic cliffs and thriving seabird colonies. As the hike came to an end, we were treated to the company of a stunning sunset, a perfect conclusion to an unforgettable day.
Our day began early in the morning with an invigorating kayaking session at Post Office Bay. As we paddled through the calm waters, we were greeted by the enchanting sight of dozens of sea turtles resting lazily near the surface. Along the shoreline, playful sea lions captivated our guests, providing an unforgettable start to the day. Following breakfast, National Geographic Islander II repositioned near Champion Islet where we embarked on a spectacular snorkeling adventure. The underwater world came alive with an abundance of colorful fish darting through the reefs. Playful sea lions joined us, adding a sense of joy to the experience, while sightings of whitetip reef sharks made the outing truly unforgettable. In the afternoon, we disembarked at Punta Cormorant for a hike to the flamingo lagoon, located just behind the landing beach. The vibrant pink hues of these elegant birds stood out as they fed on algae and crustaceans. We also spotted juvenile flamingos, their pale plumage hinting at their age. As the sun began to set, we returned to the ship, reflecting on an extraordinary day spent exploring the natural wonders of Floreana Island.
We started the day with a visit to Bartolome Islet, which allowed us to understand the formation and volcanism of the Galapagos. The hike gave our guests the feeling of being transported back to a time when the land was newly formed. Later, we practiced snorkeling to find Galapagos penguins, Pacific green sea turtles, sea lions, rays, sharks, and many colorful fish. In the afternoon we arrived at Cerro Dragon on Santa Cruz Island. The outing allowed us to visit the home of the yellow Galapagos land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus). We learned everything about this endemic reptile and the conservation efforts that allow us to enjoy this incredible destination. It was an amazing first full day in the Galapagos!
