Our first full day on San Cristobal Island was unforgettable. We explored Punta Pitt, where we had the rare chance to see both red and blue-footed boobies nesting along the rugged cliffs. Later, we walked along the stunning white sand beach of Cerro Brujo, surrounded by turquoise waters and dramatic lava formations. As the first island Darwin set foot on, San Cristobal offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and abundant wildlife. The fresh breeze, lush green vegetation, and peaceful presence of sea lions and seabirds made the experience absolutely breathtaking.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 13 Apr 2025
San Cristobal Island, 4/13/2025, National Geographic Delfina
- Aboard the National Geographic Delfina
- Galápagos
Roberta Schiess, Naturalist
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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Galápagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage
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Rábida and Sombrero Chino
What an amazing way to finish an epic visit to the unique Galapagos Islands. On our final day, National Geographic Delfina stopped by two islands, both very scenic and home to the endemic species of the archipelago. The combination of the red iron-oxide beach surrounded by the vast, upwelling ocean captivated us. After a 40-minute navigation, we anchored next to a large, monogenic cinder cone adjacent to the historic Santigo Island. The separation between these two formations created ideal conditions for terrestrial and marine wildlife to unite. For a nice send off, we snorkeled with sharks and colorful reef fish, as well as shared a beach with sea lions.
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Santa Cruz Island
We spent the day exploring the island of Santa Cruz. In the morning, we visited the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora. Here, we observed ¨baby giants¨ and some saddleback tortoise adults, too. In the afternoon, we explored the highlands searching for tortoises in their natural habitat. We had a good time talking about these wonderful animals and learning some of the traditions that pioneering settlers inherited and passed along to the new generations of Galapagueños.