In the center of the Galapagos archipelago lies Santa Cruz, the second largest island in size (after Isabela). It is also the commercial capital of the region, with the largest human settlement of about 20,000 residents. Santa Cruz is home to the National Park and Charles Darwin Foundation headquarters, whose contributions to the welfare of local ecosystems is key. The highlands region of this island is highly productive for agriculture and farming. This is also the place to see the island’s giant tortoises — icons of the archipelago — in their natural state. Puerto Ayora is a large town where we see how people can live in harmony with nature and participate in commerce under the umbrella of tourism.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 17 Jul 2023
Santa Cruz Island, 7/17/2023, National Geographic Islander II
- Aboard the National Geographic Islander II
- Galápagos
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Galápagos Escape: An 8-Day Voyage
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5/7/2025
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National Geographic Islander II
Isabela and Fernandina Islands
Our day began with a unique moment, crossing the equator in the early morning hours as we sailed toward Punta Vicente Roca on the northwestern tip of Isabela Island. A traditional celebration marked the occasion, with cheers from the deck and a chance to reflect on our passage over one of Earth’s most iconic geographic lines. After breakfast, we boarded Zodiacs to explore the coastal cliffs and caves of Punta Vicente Roca. The towering remnants of a submerged volcanic caldera create a dramatic backdrop, rich in both geology and wildlife. Along the rugged shoreline, we observed flightless cormorants, Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and a number of Galápagos fur seals resting in shaded crevices. Following a scenic navigation across the Bolívar Channel, we arrived at Espinosa Point on Fernandina Island, the youngest and most volcanically active island in the Galápagos./p> In the water, we were surrounded by an abundance of marine life, including sea turtles and agile marine iguanas feeding underwater. After drying off, we set out on a walk across the striking lava landscape. The marine iguana colonies were particularly impressive today, with hundreds gathered together to absorb the warmth of the afternoon sun.
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National Geographic Islander II
North Seymour and Rabida Islands
At 6:30 in the morning, some guests joined us for an expedition on North Seymour Island, which is slowly losing its green color due to the beginning of the dry season. It is a perfect time of year to see blue-footed booby couples starting to reproduce with the typical courtship displays and a good number of male frigatebirds with their red gular sack inflated. We encountered a good number of healthy land iguanas since they still have a lot of food, thanks to the previous wet season. While navigating to Rabida Island, bottlenose dolphins escorted National Geographic Islander II for at least 45 minutes, and guests had an excellent time watching them. In the afternoon, we snorkeled from the beach with colorful fish and young, playful sea lions who put on a great show. At the end of the day some guests took a walk on the red colored sand and watched American flamingos behind the dune at a saltwater lagoon. Others went kayaking along the coast full of land and sea birds.