The Galapagos is a chain of islands, and some species are unique to one specific place. Today, we explored two different islands. Our mission was to continue searching for endemic species, including Santa Fe land iguanas, Santa Fe rice rats, San Cristobel mockingbirds, and a few endemic plants as well. Such a variety of species is the reason the Galapagos is a paradise for scientists, adventurous people, and, of course, young explorers.
2/17/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Floreana Island
The sun had barely risen when we anchored in Punta Cormorant, right next to the striking geological formation of Devil's Crown. Our early morning hike began with playful sea lions greeting us at the shore. This site is famous for its large brackish lagoon, home to many flamingos. We were lucky to spot a few, as they frequently move around the archipelago, and it’s never certain where they’ll be. The island’s landscape was transforming into a lush paradise, with rain bringing life to the dormant palo santo trees. The dry desert scenery was gradually being replaced by vibrant greenery. Punta Cormorant is also known for being a sea turtle nesting site, and we saw fresh tracks of turtles that had nested the night before. We snorkeled around Champion Islet, enjoying the vibrant marine life, including plenty of fish and sharks. The calm waters and excellent visibility made for an unforgettable experience. In the afternoon, we kayaked in a tranquil protected area surrounded by sea turtles and sea lions. Our next stop was the famous Post Office Barrel on Floreana Island, where we left postcards and searched for others to hand deliver back home. As the day ended, Floreana gifted us a stunning sunset to cap off our adventure.