We started our day early by exploring Santiago Island using the many tools of exploration we have on board National Geographic Islander II. In the morning, we explored Chinese Hat, where we went snorkeling and kayaking. In the afternoon, we visited Sullivan Bay. We walked on a lava flow and imagined what the islands were like when species first arrived after the islands formed. We finished our amazing day by exploring the stars in the sky from the top deck of the ship.
1/2/2025
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National Geographic Islander II
Santiago Island
The day began at Buccaneer Cove, a place steeped in history, where choppy waters did not prevent us from enjoying a magical sunrise by kayak. As we paddled, we were surrounded by impressive volcanic formations emerging from the sea, vestiges of a past marked by pirates and explorers. In the afternoon at Puerto Egas, we walked along the coast where we observed sea lions resting, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and land iguanas. The highlight of the outing was when a female sea lion gave birth to a pup, which quickly attracted three Galapagos hawks, who fed on the placenta. In a protective act, the mother sea lion moved the baby to an improvised shelter to protect it from predators. This sighting was a vivid reminder of the delicate ecological balance of the Galapagos, where hawks, as top predators, and sea lions, with their protective instinct, play crucial roles in the survival and adaptation of species.
