Today we explored Espanola Island. We spent the morning kayaking and snorkeling at Gardner Bay, while in the afternoon we went for a walk and Zodiac ride at Punta Suarez. We observed many of the iconic animals of the Galapagos, some of them endemic to Española Island. This island is definitely one of the jewels of the Galapagos.
3/24/2025
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National Geographic Islander II
Santa Cruz Island
The first full day in the Galapagos Islands was mesmerizing, starting early in the morning with a colorful rainbow. There were lots of different activities on Santa Cruz Island, the most populated of the archipelago. Our first stop was at El Trapiche Ranch, a unique destination where we learned about the production of coffee, cocoa, and moonshine in an artisanal way. The owner of this ranch, Mr. Adriano, guided us through this magical place, talking about not only the production, but also the human history of the islands and how the first people who arrived in the Galapagos lived. Our second visit was the Gemelos, a striking geological formation composed of two large pit craters, formed by the collapse of volcanic lava chambers. This beautiful site was perfect for observing different species of Darwin’s finches. At noon, a delicious lunch was waiting for us at El Manzanillo Ranch, surrounded by the magnificent Galapagos giant tortoises. As soon as we finished lunch, we had a fantastic time walking beside this unique and huge reptile.
