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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San Cristobal Island
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.