The mission of the Charles Darwin Foundation and its Research Station is to provide knowledge and assistance through scientific research and complementary action to ensure the conservation of the environment and biodiversity in the Galápagos Archipelago.
On Lindblad Expeditions’ Galapagos Islands trips, children can watch extraordinary-looking birds, sea mammals, insects, and reptiles in their natural habitat.
What if your family vacation created more than just memories? What if it influenced the course of your child’s life? That is the wonderfully inspiring story
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has been introducing generations of guests to the magic of Galápagos for 50+ years and have developed deep roots in this remarkable region.
Our visit to Walla Walla, Washington at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers did not disappoint. The region offers a bevy of activities. Everything from historical sites and museums to ice cream shops and wineries. Guests of National Geographic Sea Bird chose to learn about the region’s history of the Cayuse people at Whitman Mission, sampled wines from local vineyards and tasting rooms, and explored the lively downtown of Walla Walla with its many coffee shops, bookstores, and ice cream parlors.
We enjoyed a day at sea aboard National Geographic Orion. As we transited the south Caribbean Sea, we were treated to a few presentations about Colombia, reef fish, and music of the region, but the real stars of the day were the masked and brown boobies hunting flying fish. There were spectacular displays of hunting from the birds and avoidance by the fish.
We arrived at the north of Santa Cruz Island, and we witnessed that there had been heavy rains in recent days, leaving this part of the island covered in green. It was like an artist’s palette, with all the shades of green captured in this amazing landscape.
After breakfast, we set off for Minas de Azufre located on the slopes of Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos Archipelago. The hike to the sulfur mines took us through a dramatic landscape of volcanic terrain, and the trail was lined with native vegetation. The sulfur mines reminded us that we were walking in an active volcano that last erupted in 2018. The smell of sulfur in the air was pungent, and the contrast of the black volcanic rock with the bright yellow sulfur deposits created a striking landscape.
After breakfast, we set out for Urbina Bay, located on the western side of Isabela Island. Just a few meters from the shore, we encountered several giant tortoises resting in rainwater pools left by the downpour from the night before. The rainy season is truly a blessing for all terrestrial animals, and the tortoises are no exception, taking advantage of the fresh water and lush vegetation. In the afternoon, we navigated north toward Punta Vicente Roca. At 2:15 PM, we embarked on an unforgettable snorkeling experience along the island’s coastal cliffs. We had the incredible opportunity to swim alongside playful sea lions, Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and sea turtles. Our final excursion of the day was a panga ride around Ecuador Volcano. This outing turned into a unique adventure as an unexpected rain shower added a special touch to the experience. Our guests donned ponchos and embraced the moment, making the ride even more memorable as we explored this remote and stunning landscape. Just before 6:00 PM, we marked a significant milestone, crossing the Equator! We celebrated this special moment with a traditional flag-crossing ceremony, accompanied by lively music and a fun round of limbo.
