It’s the beginning of our expedition aboard National Geographic Islander II, and today we visited two central islands of this archipelago, Plazas and Santa Fe. These two islands have one of the largest colonies of sea lions and land iguanas. In the morning, we observed a beautiful sunrise while hiking. In the afternoon, the ship moved to Santa Fe. We had an incredible snorkel and then explored the island. We enjoyed amazing encounters with the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 09 Mar 2023
South Plazas and Santa Fe Islands, 3/9/2023, National Geographic Islander II
- Aboard the National Geographic Islander II
- Galápagos
Charles Wittmer, Naturalist
Charles was raised in the Galápagos Islands. He is the grandson of Rolf Wittmer, the first person documented to have been born on the island of Floreana after his parents, Margret and Heinz Wittmer, emigrated from Germany in 1932.
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South Plaza and Santa Fe Islands
We are ready to set out early to explore the small and picturesque island of South Plaza. Here we find the endemic Galapagos land iguana, their reptilian features and colors stand out against the lava rocks and cactus forest. Swallow-tailed gulls nest right on and alongside the trail. Sea lions play in the water or rest under the bushes. On Santa Fe Island, we continue our excursions, this time with aquatic activities such as kayaking and snorkeling in the shallow turquoise waters of Santa Fe Bay. Sea lions, turtles, large schools of various fish, and rays are found. Later we explored by land to see the island’s land iguanas, finches, doves, and mockingbirds.