Daily Expedition Reports
17 Jul 2023

Santa Cruz Island, 7/17/2023, National Geographic Islander II

Aboard the National Geographic Islander II
Galápagos

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.

Article by

Jose Maldonado

LeConte Bay and Petersburg, Alaska

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Please note: All Daily Expedition Reports (DERs) are posted Monday-Friday, during normal business hours. DERs are written onboard the ship only and do not apply to land-based portions of expeditions.

Daily Expedition Reports

8/19/2023

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National Geographic Islander II

Santa Cruz Island

Today we explored Bartolome Islet and Cerro Dragon on Santa Cruz Island; these areas are remarkably beautiful because they offer impressive views of the Galapagos volcanic landscape. During the morning we hiked and snorkeled in Bartolome. For the afternoon we moved to Cerro Dragon to hike across dry forest looking for Galapagos land iguanas. Bartolome Islet is a small volcanic island located off the east coast of Santiago Island. It is known for its distinctive Pinnacle Rock, a towering volcanic formation that rises out of the sea. The island is relatively barren, with a stark landscape of black lava rocks and sparse vegetation. Right after breakfast the guests of National Geographic Islander II landed at Bartolome and climbed to the summit to take in one of the most scenic views of the archipelago. Our guests also had the opportunity to snorkel in the waters around Pinnacle Rock, where they observed a variety of marine life including fish, sea turtles, Galapagos sea lions, and Galapagos penguins. For the afternoon we explored Cerro Dragon (“dragon hill”), on Santa Cruz Island; this area is named for the land iguanas that live here. It is a volcanic hill on the northwest coast of Santa Cruz, and was formed over a million years ago by a series of volcanic eruptions. The climb up the hill provided breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, we encountered several land iguanas basking in the sun and occasionally crossing our path. We also saw some species of birds, including Darwin's finches and Galápagos mockingbirds. Once we reached the summit, we were rewarded with panoramic views of the coastline and the nearby islets.

Daily Expedition Reports

8/17/2023

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National Geographic Islander II

Santiago Island

As our Galapagos Islands expedition aboard National Geographic Islander II is coming to a close, today we explored Santiago Island: Espumilla beach, Buccaneer Cove, and Puerto Egas. It has been a remarkable journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, and insightful geological formations. We began our exploration at Espumilla beach with an early walk. We continued to Buccaneer Cove, a stunning inlet flanked by rugged cliffs and clear azure waters. The cove's intriguing name refers to its history as a haven for pirates and buccaneers. Geological marvels were evident here — our team observed sea caves and distinctive layers of lava and tuff, a testament to the island's volcanic evolution. The cove's beaches were dotted with marine iguanas, sea lions, and numerous seabirds, providing ample opportunities for wildlife observation and photography. The Galapagos penguins were a highlight; a rare and endemic species, they darted through the water with incredible agility. We also encountered various species of shorebirds probing the intertidal zones for food. Moving on to Puerto Egas, our team was greeted by an otherworldly landscape of lava flows, tide pools, and unique geological formations. The tuff cones and natural arches offered a living history of the island's volcanic origins. The contrast between the harsh lava terrain and the presence of life was striking. Lava lizards, endemic to the Galapagos, scuttled across the black rocks, showcasing their adaptation to this challenging environment. One of the most significant encounters at Puerto Egas was with the Galapagos fur seals. Observing these charismatic creatures in their natural habitat was an incredible experience. We maintained a respectful distance to minimize disturbance, as these seals are vulnerable to human interference. The tidal pools were home to an array of marine life, including colorful fish, and sea urchins. The expedition to Espumilla beach, Buccaneer Cove, and Puerto Egas on Santiago Island was a journey of discovery, education, and inspiration. We were privileged to witness the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands, from geological formations to diverse wildlife. This experience reinforced the significance of protecting such pristine environments for future generations. As we left the islands, we carried a deeper understanding of the delicate balance that sustains these remarkable ecosystems.

Daily Expedition Reports

8/16/2023

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National Geographic Islander II

Fernandina and Isabela Islands

We woke up to the incredible view of a series of volcanoes along the coast of Isabela Island. Isabela is the largest island of the Galapagos, and it is home to five species of giant tortoise. After breakfast, we crossed the equator line into the southern hemisphere to explore the “head” of this sea-horse-shaped island. We rode Zodiacs to look for wildlife along the rocky shores of Isabela. We were lucky to spot a couple of Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies fishing. After the Zodiac ride, we went deep-water snorkeling with penguins, marine iguanas feeding underwater, and Galapagos sea lions playing with us. Snorkeling was incredible due to the underwater geology and abundant marine life along the northern coast of Isabela. After lunch, we navigated toward the youngest of the Galapagos Islands: Fernandina. This island lets us travel back in time to see the Galapagos in the beginning without negative human impact. Hundreds of marine iguanas were basking under the equatorial sun. Some iguanas were coming out of the ocean, as they finished their feeding outings. Galapagos flightless cormorants were drying their wings. The young basaltic lava fields here are slowly eroding and serve as the natural habitat for one of the six endemic plant genera of the Galapagos; the lava cactus. These cacti only grow on the youngest of the Galapagos Islands; they are a pioneer species of the archipelago. After an incredible day in the Galapagos, we returned to the ship and enjoyed a beautiful sunset.

Santa Cruz Island, 7/17/2023, National Geographic Islander II