On our last full day exploring the Galapagos Islands, we visited San Cristobal Island. We started our day at Punta Pitt, the easternmost point of the archipelago. We observed eroding tuff volcanos. On our walk through the shrubby area, we found red-footed boobies nesting, perching, and resting together. After the hike, everybody enjoyed the opportunity to swim, explore the beautiful beach, and snorkel in the fantastic bay. In the afternoon, we changed locations to Cerro Brujo. Guests enjoyed the white sand beach with the company of charismatic sea lions. What a great finish to an amazing expedition of the Galapagos Islands.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 21 Mar 2023
San Cristobal, 3/21/2023, National Geographic Islander II
- Aboard the National Geographic Islander II
- 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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Española Island is an older, eroded volcano with outstanding, unique wildlife. Although better known for the nesting bird colonies, Gardner Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on earth, not only because of its fine, white sand surrounded by colorful turquoise waters, but also for the sea lion colony that rests here. Punta Suarez looks as if nothing could live there, but as we walked along the loop trail, it unveiled highly concentrated nesting bird colonies. Included in its inhabitants is one of the most important, the waved albatross, which only nests on this island from April to December. We also observed Nazca boobies, colorful marine iguanas, lava lizards, and more. What a privilege it was for all of us to visit this special place.