Today we experienced how new islands have form these central islands of the archipelago. Learning about volcanic formations and the arrival and establishment of the different animals and plants that made it here, and some adapted to become a whole new species. Surrounded by amazing natural encounters together with the information provided to understand it all, made this day such an important visit on these expeditions.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 30 May 2025
Santiago Island, 5/30/2025, National Geographic Islander II
- Aboard the National Geographic Islander II
- Galápagos
Paola Luque, Naturalist
Paola was born in the major Ecuadorian port city of Guayaquil, raised near the ocean and rivers. Since childhood she felt a deep connection with nature, which led her to settle in the Galapagos Archipelago in 1998, on the central island of Santa Cruz...
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Galápagos Escape: A 7-Day Voyage
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Santiago Island
We started our day early in the morning at Chinese Hat. As our kayaks glided in the water, we had our first opportunity to watch Galapagos penguins swimming beside us. As we got closer to the shoreline, lava herons and blue-footed boobies stood motionless on the lava, watching our groups pass. In the late morning, we had the opportunity to have a very intimate moment with Galapagos penguins while they were hunting black-striped salemas. Penguins swam back and forth, trying to get as many fish as possible. The lunar landscape of Chinese Hat gave us an opportunity to observe the candelabra cactuses that grow on this recently formed lava field. In the afternoon, our expedition took us to Sullivan Bay. During a hike, we enjoyed one of the most amazing lava landscapes in the Galapagos. The visitor site invited us to think deeply about the genesis of life in the Galapagos Islands and how plants and animals arrived and established themselves here. As we returned to the ship, a beautiful sunset invited us to reflect on the geological and geographic qualities that make the Galapagos truly unique.
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South Plaza and Santa Fe Islands
Our expedition on board National Geographic Islander II took us to the captivating South Plaza and Santa Fe Islands. We were treated to an extraordinary day of wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes, leaving us with a deeper understanding of the island’s unique ecosystems.