On our first day in the Galapagos, we visited the small island of South Plaza. With only a tenth of a mile, this beautiful place is a world in itself. A large colony of the land iguanas were feeding on the endemic variety of Opuntia cacti that inhabits this destination. A seabird colony was nesting nearby with different species settling right next to each other. Among them were the gorgeous swallow-tailed gull, unique for its behavior of feeding at night.

Snorkeling was a fantastic experience on Santa Fe Island. We had sea lion pups and colorful fish join us.

For the second part of the afternoon, we enjoyed a great hike through a forest of the giant Opuntia cacti which is endemic to this island. Lots of land birds tagged along, including finches, mockingbirds, and Galapagos doves, all amazing and curious.

It was a great day in the Galapagos Islands on board National Geographic Gemini!