As our expedition aboard National Geographic Endeavour II continued today, we visited the northwest side of Santa Cruz Island. We started the day by hiking in the beautiful morning light. Iguanas welcomed us as they came out of their burrows to bask in the sun. They do this to warm up and get energy to start their day. Our morning continued with a snorkel session on the shore of Santa Cruz. The day progressed with kayaking and a Zodiac ride in Borrero Bay. Mangroves surround the bay, providing refuge for turtles, baby sharks, and various other species.
6/12/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Bartolomé and Sombrero Chino Islands
Warm ocean air and a colorful sunrise met us as we approached Bartolomé. Guests traveled by foot or Zodiac to experience the compacted ash landscape. On our first snorkeling excursion, we swam with diving penguins and sea creatures like whitetip and blacktip sharks, rays, and parrotfish. On the next snorkeling opportunity, we enjoyed seeing even more fish and sea stars! After lunch, we were back on the Zodiac for a third snorkeling opportunity. We dove in by Sombrero Chino. We spotted whitetip sharks, a school of fish, sea lions, pufferfish, and more. We ended the day by circumnavigating Sombrero Chino on Zodiac. We spotted more penguins. The community spirit that has developed over the week was evident as a Zodiac of guests serenaded Sarah on her birthday! Traveling to the Galapagos has made the world feel small. We have found common ground with guests and staff and made connections between our actions back home and the conservation of this beautiful archipelago. Written by Sarah Magnano and Robin Lockwood, Grosvenor Teacher Fellows
