Dragon Hill, Borrero Bay, and Daphne Major Island, 3/9/2022, National Geographic Endeavour II
Aboard the
National Geographic Endeavour II
Galápagos
We arrived at Cerro Dragon on the northwestern realm of Santa Cruz Island, the second largest island of the Galapagos. Santa Cruz is home to one of the most emblematic creatures of the archipelago, yellowish-golden reptiles (Conolophus subcristatus) known as the Galapagos land iguana. After breakfast, we boarded Zodiacs to head toward the place. We found several of the golden reptiles in one of the visitor sites where the Galapagos National Park has put a lot of effort into controlling the number of introduced species. We also found marine iguanas walking in the area, warming their bodies with the first rays of the sun. In the sea, blue-footed boobies tried to catch some fish. Back onboard, we got ready for an amazing snorkeling at Guy Fawkes islets, where we found two manta rays, one whitetip reef shark, various beautiful fish, and colorful marine invertebrates on the vertical wall of the islets.
After a smooth navigation in the afternoon, we arrived at “Bahia Borrero,” where we explored the bay in Zodiacs. Some of us took the opportunity to practice energetic kayaking and paddleboarding.
Just before sunset, National Geographic Endeavour II circumnavigated around Daphne Mayor Islet, a very important study site for the famous Darwin finches. It was the best way to end another day of our fantastic expedition.
Omar arrived at the Galapagos with his family when he just a year old. His father was a Naturalist in the islands and would take him exploring both on land and in the water, aboard the ships he was working on. At an early age, he learned all about th...
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Located in the western part of the archipelago, Isabela is the largest island in the Galápagos. It is known for its diverse wildlife and volcanic landscapes. This island has amazing visitors’ sites, including Urbina Bay and Tagus Cove. We started off a great day in Urbina Bay, located on the western coast of Isabela Island. The area is known for its unique geological features and abundant wildlife. The bay was formed when an uplift event occurred in 1954, causing part of the ocean floor to rise above sea level. Our guests observed and learned about marine iguanas, sea turtles, land iguanas, penguins, and flightless cormorants. The flightless cormorant and the Galapagos penguin are fascinating bird species endemic to the Galapagos Islands. Both are excellent examples of species that have adapted to their specific environments. The flightless cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi) is a large, black bird found nowhere else in the world. They are the only cormorant species that have lost the ability to fly. Instead of relying on flight to hunt for food, these birds adapted to a marine lifestyle. Strong legs and webbed feet make them excellent swimmers and divers. Their wings have reduced in size and can no longer support flight. Flightless cormorants feed primarily on fish, eels, and other small marine organisms found in the cold, nutrient-rich waters around the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) is the only penguin species found in the Northern Hemisphere, and it is the second smallest penguin species in the world. These penguins have adapted to the warm climate of the Galapagos Islands by developing several unique characteristics. They have a smaller body size compared to other penguin species, which helps them dissipate heat more efficiently in the hot, tropical environment. Galapagos penguins have a denser feather coverage, which provides insulation against cold water temperatures when they swim and hunt for food. They feed primarily on small fish and marine invertebrates. Both the flightless cormorant and the Galapagos penguin are considered endemic and endangered species. They face several threats, including habitat degradation, competition for resources, and the potential impact of climate change. Efforts are being made to protect their habitats and ensure their survival in the Galapagos Islands through conservation programs and strict regulations. These unique bird species serve as important indicators of the overall health of the Galapagos ecosystem. In the afternoon, we prepared for water activities, Zodiac rides, and an invigorating hike. What a great day we had in the Galapagos! Photo caption and photographer: Flightless cormorants. Photo by Ivan Vasquez
National Geographic Endeavour II rounds the north of Isabela to reach Fernandina, the westernmost island of the Galapagos and the youngest. Still navigating, we wake up to see the majestic shield volcanoes of these islands all around us. These waters are very rich in life of all kinds, from small creatures to large. Landing on Fernandina is like visiting a zoo where animals are everywhere except that there are no walls or cages. Packs of marine iguanas bask in the sun at every step, and sea lions chill on the sand and rocks. Later, we enjoy more wildlife on Isabela. We take a Zodiac tour to observe the imposing Ecuador Volcano. We celebrate as we cross the equator at the end of another wonderful expedition day.
