The National Geographic Endeavour II explores the volcanic shores of Bartolome Island today; this is one of the most volcanic and young land formations in the Galapagos. Our guests will have the opportunity not only to experience the overwhelming landscape on land but also to enter the underwater realm at this location, which also happens to be a nesting site for the Galapagos penguin and home of multicolored fish and invertebrates. Sombrero Chino is a small volcanic cone eroded by weather, in between this formation and the main Island Santiago, there is a great snorkel site and our guests have another great opportunity to spot the Galapagos penguin.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 18 Aug 2017
Bartolome and Sombrero Chino Islands, 8/18/2017, National Geographic Endeavour II
- Aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II
- Galápagos
Socrates Tomala, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
Socrates was raised on Santa Cruz Island located in the heart of Galapagos Archipelago. He had a childhood filled with swimming, scuba diving, rock climbing and volunteering in conservation projects, so it was natural for him to grow very passionate ...
Read MoreChristian Saa, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
Christian was born on the island of Isabela in the Galápagos archipelago. He grew up on a farm and had a magical childhood devoid of cars, electricity, telephones—just pure nature and playful sea lions along the beach. At the age of seven, he moved w...
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Exploring Galápagos
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Sadly, our expedition aboard National Geographic Gemini is nearing its end. Our day began with a hike at the base of towering cliffs. A steep ascent led us to a plateau of a palo santo forest, sparse and otherworldly. Almost immediately, we were surrounded by red-footed boobies nesting in low trees and Nazca boobies on the ground. A highlight was spotting a short-eared owl perched silently among a lava crevice, camouflaged and hunting storm petrels. The calls of frigatebirds rang in the air, with their inflated red pouches on full display in a mating show. After our hike we enjoyed water activities, such as kayaking along the cliffs and snorkeling. In the late afternoon, we landed on the coral sand beach of Darwin Bay. Guests enjoyed a relaxing stroll along the shoreline bordered by mangroves and nesting bird colonies. The presence of swallow-tailed gulls, lava herons, and marine iguanas provided excellent photo opportunities.









