Today our guest explored the westernmost realm of the Galapagos. During the morning, we landed at Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island to snorkel. We observed countless Galapagos marine iguanas basking along the shoreline as guests explored the island. While snorkeling, guests observed more Galapagos marine iguanas and green sea turtles feeding on seaweed. In the afternoon, guests experienced Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island. This site offers an impressive view of a collapsed volcano. The rocky cliffs provide shelter for Galapagos fur seals. They are also a good perch for seabirds like Nazca boobies, brown noddy terns with chicks, flightless cormorants, and Galapagos penguins.
9/12/2024
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Santa Cruz Island
Today we had the opportunity to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park facilities. Today is giant tortoise day! Early in the morning we visited the baby-giants which are part of a program to breed and protect the world-famous giant tortoises. Following, we explored the Highlands with a visit to a hydroponic farm and a sugarcane farm, then we had a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. In the Highlands, we walked among the tortoises. These huge reptiles were roaming freely as they grazed on grass and a variety of plants. Soon after our visit, we returned to Puerto Ayora and had a chance to explore the town and enjoy shopping for local handicrafts. Back on board National Geographic Endeavour II , we danced to music performed by a local folk band after our delicious dinner and nightly briefing. It was a full day of enjoying face-to-face time with Galapagos giant tortoises and visiting a new town.
