Today we woke up at Gardner Bay in Española Island. After a delicious breakfast, some guests disembarked for deep water snorkeling along the shore of Gardner Islet, while other guests went to visit Gardner Beach. Sea lions welcomed us at the beach and guests had a great time taking photos of these animals peacefully basking in the sand. In the afternoon, we disembarked to explore Punta Suarez. Here, we could find one of the most beautiful sea birds in Galapagos, the waved albatross. It’s the end of the mating season for these birds, and we observed a few couples in their final days on Española before they fly down to the coast of Peru to find food. We also found one of the largest nesting grounds of Nazca boobies, where we observed males bringing tiny rocks to females to catch their attention for mating. We ended our day with our traditional recap of the day onboard the National Geographic Endeavour II.
3/12/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Santiago Island
The day started with the gentle sway of the ship and a crisp ocean breeze, a refreshing reminder that adventure was just ahead. At Playa Espumilla, early risers stepped onto the soft sand after a wet landing, ready to explore. Some grabbed their cameras and followed National Geographic Photo Instructor Omar to capture the golden morning light, while others took a scenic walk with a naturalist, soaking in the island’s beauty. Meanwhile, kayakers paddled along the coast, gliding past curious sea lions and diving seabirds. For those easing into the day, a stretching session on the Observation Deck offered the perfect slow start. After a filling breakfast, National Geographic Endeavour II continued to Buccaneer Cove where the real fun began. Kayakers set off again, while others explored the underwater world through snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tours. The crystal-clear waters were teeming with colorful fish, graceful sea turtles, and the occasional reef shark cruising by. In the afternoon, Puerto Egas welcomed explorers for either a walk through striking lava formations or a relaxing beach break. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, guests returned to the ship, sharing stories of close encounters with wildlife.
