As we get closer to our final day of expedition, guests on board National Geographic Islander II visited two special sites on Isabela and Fernandina Islands. After a 10-hour navigation and crossing the Equator, we stopped by Punta Vicenta Roca, located at the mouth of the seahorse- shaped island of Isabela. Here, we had the chance to admire the walls of the extinct Ecuador Volcano as well as the wonderful marine life. This side of the island gets drenched in nutrients from the Cromwell current. In the afternoon, we walked among the fascinating marine iguanas of Fernandina Island.
3/24/2025
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National Geographic Islander II
Santa Cruz Island
The first full day in the Galapagos Islands was mesmerizing, starting early in the morning with a colorful rainbow. There were lots of different activities on Santa Cruz Island, the most populated of the archipelago. Our first stop was at El Trapiche Ranch, a unique destination where we learned about the production of coffee, cocoa, and moonshine in an artisanal way. The owner of this ranch, Mr. Adriano, guided us through this magical place, talking about not only the production, but also the human history of the islands and how the first people who arrived in the Galapagos lived. Our second visit was the Gemelos, a striking geological formation composed of two large pit craters, formed by the collapse of volcanic lava chambers. This beautiful site was perfect for observing different species of Darwin’s finches. At noon, a delicious lunch was waiting for us at El Manzanillo Ranch, surrounded by the magnificent Galapagos giant tortoises. As soon as we finished lunch, we had a fantastic time walking beside this unique and huge reptile.
