We woke up anchored off the coast of Bartolome Island. The day’s expedition started with a vigorous walk to the peak of the island to observe the most iconic and celebrated landscape of the Galapagos. We enjoyed snorkeling from the beach to discover the Galapagos underwater world. Later in the day, we walked through a dry forest to find yellow and black Galapagos land iguanas. Our wonderful day of exploration in the Galapagos Islands finished with a great sunset.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 01 Oct 2022
Bartolome Island and Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz Island, 10/1/2022, National Geographic Islander II
- Aboard the National Geographic Islander II
- Galápagos
Patricio Maldonado, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
Patricio, better known as Pato amongst his friends, was born in the Galápagos Islands. His family moved to the islands from the mainland and settled on the island of Santa Cruz over thirty-five years ago. Pato had an enchanted childhood in the island...
Read MoreShare Report
Galápagos Escape: An 8-Day Voyage
VIEW ITINERARYRelated Reports
6/23/2025
Read
National Geographic Islander II
Española Island
Today we visited Española Island, the southernmost—and one of the most spectacular—of all the Galápagos Islands. Known for its unique wildlife and dramatic landscapes, Española offered us a day full of unforgettable encounters. In the morning, we landed at Gardner Bay, where a long stretch of white coral sand welcomed us. Galápagos sea lions lounged along the shore, completely unfazed by our presence. Offshore, we snorkeled in the clear waters among colorful reef fish and Pacific green sea turtles. Playful sea lions swirled around us like underwater acrobats. In the afternoon, we explored Punta Suárez, one of the best wildlife viewing sites in the entire archipelago. The trail led us through colonies of Nazca boobies and blue-footed boobies, some engaged in nesting or courtship dances. We also witnessed waved albatrosses, many sitting on eggs or gliding in the wind above the cliffs. The highlight for many was watching a pair of albatrosses perform their elaborate, synchronized courtship ritual, full of beak clacking and head swaying. As we approached the cliff’s edge, we were treated to the dramatic sight of waves crashing against the rocks and the famous blowhole, which sent bursts of water high into the air. With seabirds soaring overhead and marine iguanas sunbathing in every direction, the magic of Española was on full display.
6/22/2025
Read
National Geographic Islander II
Floreana Island
Today the guests of National Geographic Islander II had a chance to snorkel at Champion Islet, just off Floreana Island. It was a breathtaking expedition to one of the most vibrant marine ecosystems in the Galapagos. As soon as we slipped into the water, we were greeted by schools of colorful fish and playful Galapagos sea lions.