It is our last full day in the Galapagos Islands aboard National Geographic Islander. We have had an excellent expedition. Today we woke up on Bird Island, one of the largest nesting grounds for boobies, frigatebirds, and many more marine birds. We started the day with a beach walk to observe the abundance of birds. Later in the morning, we all went snorkeling. In the afternoon, we hiked Prince Philip’s Steps. We observed the famous short-eared owl that hunts during the day. It has been an amazing experience with guests aboard National Geographic Islander.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 16 Jul 2022
Genovesa, 7/16/2022, National Geographic Islander
- Aboard the National Geographic Islander
- Galápagos
Charles Wittmer, Naturalist
Charles was raised in the Galápagos Islands. He is the grandson of Rolf Wittmer, the first person documented to have been born on the island of Floreana after his parents, Margret and Heinz Wittmer, emigrated from Germany in 1932.
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San Cristobal is the easternmost island of the Galapagos and one of the oldest. It has a wealth of human, geological, and genetic history, with a unique contrast among its habitats. Today we visited its most iconic sites, including Punta Pitt’s golden beach, which is made from volcanic material and is a resting site for sea lions. Its mountain is comprised of compact ash, known as tuff cones. This destination has a healthy colony of red-footed boobies, which are the least known in the archipelago, and we were surprised by the dance of blue-footed boobies and the beautiful great frigatebirds nesting near the trail. We also visited the western central coast of the island at Cerro Brujo, with one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago, with soft, fine white sand. Our day culminated with a beautiful sunset at Kicker Rock.