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.
2/20/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Bartolome and Chinese Hat
The Galapagos never ceases to amaze and today was no exception. We began our morning with a landing at Bartolome Island, where we climbed the iconic boardwalk to the summit. Along the way, we spotted lava lizards basking in the sun and took in the breathtaking views of Pinnacle Rock standing tall against the deep blue water. The highlight of the day came in the afternoon as we explored Chinese Hat, a small cinder cone with striking lava formations. A Zodiac exploration took us along the shoreline where we spotted three Galapagos penguins resting on the lava rocks. These unique seabirds, the only penguins found north of the equator, stood side by side, preening and occasionally glancing towards the water as if contemplating their next dive. Guests also enjoyed snorkeling in the turquoise waters where sea lions twisted playfully and whitetip reef sharks swam through the currents. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we reflected on another extraordinary day in one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet.
