Today we had the opportunity to learn about two species of sea lion found in the Galapagos archipelago. One of them came from the north and is very closely related to the California sea lion. The other one, the so-called fur seal, came from the southern hemisphere. Here, they both coexist along the coastline. They don’t compete for the same food source because the fur seal is a nocturnal hunter while the Galapagos sea lion hunts during daylight hours. We also had the opportunity to observe many other animals endemic to Galapagos, such as mockingbirds, lizards, iguanas, Darwin finches, flycatchers, and of course, the top predator in the archipelago, the Galapagos hawk.
6/9/2025
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National Geographic Islander II
Española Island
Today we had an incredible opportunity to explore Española Island, one of the most iconic and ecologically rich islands in the Galápagos archipelago. Our morning began with a peaceful kayaking session along the coast, where we enjoyed calm waters and beautiful scenery. We then jumped in for an unforgettable snorkeling experience, swimming alongside green sea turtles, playful Galápagos sea lions, and an impressive variety of colorful reef fish. After our aquatic adventure, we set foot on the pristine white sands of Gardner Bay, renowned as one of the top 20 most beautiful beaches in the world. The contrast of turquoise waters and bright sand was simply breathtaking. In the afternoon, we visited Punta Suárez, a truly magical and iconic site. Here we observed the unique courtship displays of the majestic waved albatross, one of the island’s most emblematic species. The trail also offered us fantastic views of blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, Galápagos hawks, and dramatic coastal blowholes. Española Island is the oldest of the Galápagos Islands above sea level. Today, its rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes reminded us why it holds such a special place in the heart of naturalists and visitors alike.