Fernandina and Isabela Islands, 11/6/2023, National Geographic Endeavour II
Aboard the
National Geographic Endeavour II
Galápagos
After a long navigation overnight, we finally arrived in the westernmost part of the archipelago. At first glimpse, this area is very new in terms of geological formations. In this location, we expect frequent volcanic activity. From a distance, all volcanos show evidence of fresh lava flows, some just a couple years old and others only a few months old.
The Galapagos will continue to change, and its unique flora and fauna will continue to evolve at an extraordinary speed. This is the reason the Galapagos is a paradise for scientists and explorers from all over the world.
Walter was born in a very small town on the mainland of Ecuador. His first trip to the Galápagos was when he was 12 years old, visiting friends and aunt, who had moved to the islands. From the first moment he saw the Islands, he fell in love with the...
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Today was Galapagos giant tortoise day! We started with a visit to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center located in the town of Puerto Ayora. Our guests learned about the conservation efforts to preserve the special ecosystem of the Galapagos Archipelago. Then, we embarked buses and headed to the highlands to visit a local farm known as El Trapiche where we were greeted by the owner, Don Adriano. From here we visited a local school and a hydroponic farm. The afternoon was dedicated to observing the Santa Cruz giant tortoises in their natural environment. There were so many giant tortoises today! It was amazing to walk among giants.
Our early start on Floreana Island was a perfect way to begin the day. As soon as we stepped on the island, magic happened. Some flamingoes started arriving at the local lagoon of Punta Cormorant, doing several runs before landing in the area. It was a truly special experience that permitted us to take amazing photos of this unique moment, seeing them in flight. The “mystic island” kept impressing us with its beaty throughout the day.
Today, we began our activities with a deep-water snorkeling session in Gardner Bay. Our guests were thrilled to interact with playful sea lions and an array of colorful fish, creating unforgettable underwater experiences. Following the snorkeling adventure, we visited the pristine sands of Gardner Beach. Here, we encountered the Española mockingbird walking confidently close to our guests, seemingly unbothered by their presence. Many were captivated by the serene beauty and gentle demeanor of the sea lions resting on shore. After lunch we arrived at Punta Suárez. Disembarking, we ventured inland, exploring an island bursting with life. Among the black volcanic rocks, we admired the vividly colored marine iguanas, whose green and reddish tones contrasted dramatically against the black rocks. Nearby, we observed Española lava lizards, the largest in the archipelago. The highlight of the visit was encountering the Galápagos albatross, the largest seabird in the archipelago. We saw many albatrosses soaring, nesting, and resting. As the sun set, we returned to the ship after an extraordinary day filled with nature’s wonders.
