Our day began with a very relaxing morning at Gardner Bay. We enjoyed a nice time on the beach and kayaking alongside a massive colony of sea lions. The weather was hot, but we had amazing views. Later, we took a great hike at Punta Suarez. We observed a bunch of marine birds, including a large colony of Nazca boobies. Española is a “mature” island with an amazing and uncommon landscape of pronounced cliffs and crashing waves.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 21 Mar 2022
Española, 3/21/2022, National Geographic Islander
- Aboard the National Geographic Islander
- Galápagos
Bernardo Jacome, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
Bernardo, known by his friends and family as Bernie, was born In the Andean city of Quito, located in the highlands of Ecuador. His grandfather, however, moved to the Galapagos Islands in the mid-70s, and worked as one of the first Naturalist Guides,...
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Española Island is an older, eroded volcano with outstanding, unique wildlife. Although better known for the nesting bird colonies, Gardner Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on earth, not only because of its fine, white sand surrounded by colorful turquoise waters, but also for the sea lion colony that rests here. Punta Suarez looks as if nothing could live there, but as we walked along the loop trail, it unveiled highly concentrated nesting bird colonies. Included in its inhabitants is one of the most important, the waved albatross, which only nests on this island from April to December. We also observed Nazca boobies, colorful marine iguanas, lava lizards, and more. What a privilege it was for all of us to visit this special place.