Floreana Island, 4/15/2025, National Geographic Delfina
Aboard the
National Geographic Delfina
Galápagos
Floreana Island, often whispered about as the “Mystery Island”, has so much to offer! Here, history isn’t just read, it’s felt in the wind. Our guests were immersed in this timeless story as they took part in the legendary Post Office Barrel tradition, a ritual that has connected travelers across oceans for centuries.
The day unfolded with breathtaking snorkeling sessions in crystal-clear waters. On land, Floreana’s unique wildlife, including playful sea lions, vibrant flamingos, and curious marine iguanas, offered an unforgettable spectacle.
Born and raised in the Galápagos, Roberta Schiess Bahamonde’s grandparents were among the first permanent inhabitants of Santa Cruz Island, arriving from Switzerland in the 1940s. Her mother is also a naturalist guide in the Galápagos, so this is a p...
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We spent the day on the beautiful Genovesa Island. This place is outstanding, especially for those who love seabirds. Red-footed boobies and Nazca boobies were abundant along the trails. We observed plenty of juvenile frigatebirds and even a few males displaying a fully inflated red pouch. This island is special, and definitely a great place to start our adventure exploring the Galapagos Islands.
Our day on Santa Cruz Island began with a visit to one of the most iconic and important conservation sites in the Galápagos, the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center. Nestled just outside Puerto Ayora, this facility plays a crucial role in the ongoing effort to preserve the future of the Galápagos giant tortoise. We were able to observe tortoises at various stages of development, from hatchlings no larger than a coconut to massive adults with shells that bore the weight of centuries. Our guides explained the breeding program’s history and the meticulous care involved in raising these gentle giants until they are strong enough to be released back into their native habitat. In the afternoon, we journeyed into the highlands of Santa Cruz where the landscape shifted dramatically. Moist, green, and mist-laced, the highlands offered a stark contrast to the arid lowlands. It is here, in this lush environment, that we encountered giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. The experience of seeing these prehistoric creatures ambling through the grass, grazing calmly and occasionally soaking in muddy pools, was nothing short of awe-inspiring. We had time to walk among them, observe their slow but purposeful movements, and appreciate the grandeur of these ancient animals in the wild.
