Bartolome and Sombrero Chino Islands, 7/28/2022, National Geographic Endeavour II
Aboard the
National Geographic Endeavour II
Galápagos
It is as if we have returned to the beginning of time. Here at Bartolome Island and Sombrero Chino, we have before us a new landscape, one that is not more than over a hundred years in age. We climb among the volcanic cones and witness the power of this volcanic formation as we peer into the distance and find over twenty volcanic islands. It is humbling to be surrounded by a land that is before time.
Growing up in northern California, Jason was surrounded by the incomparable nature of the Pacific Northwest. While attending university there, Jason met and eventually married an Ecuadorian woman who happened to be from a small group of islands off t...
We started our expedition by visiting one of the oldest islands of the archipelago and quite a fantastic one. We explored the beach in the morning and the inside of the island in the afternoon. Our first outing was a snorkel exploration of a small islet located on Gardner Bay, where we observed sharks, sea lions, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, and many colorful fish! The temperature of the water, great visibility, and an abundance of life made for an outstanding first deep-water snorkel. We also walked and swam on a beautiful white sand beach next to the big colony of sea lions that live here. In the afternoon, we hiked on Suárez Point. This is the only site in the archipelago where we can find the very famous waved albatross. We walked a rocky trail and spotted marine iguanas and lava lizards with nearly every step before reaching the nesting grounds of Nazca boobies and the albatrosses. These wonderful and magnificent marine birds nested and displayed for their mates. We observed the beauty of these animals as we enjoyed the sunset. It was a spectacular first full day.
Our day on San Cristóbal Island was full of pure magic and laughter. We started bright and early with an epic adventure. We disembarked for a hike at Punta Pitt, where every step felt like walking through a living postcard. There we saw unique red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and blue-footed boobies. Some brave souls took a refreshing swim in the sea, laughing and soaking up the last rays of sun. In the afternoon, the excitement continued with a landing at Cerro Brujo beach. The powdery white sand felt like walking on clouds as we strolled along the dreamy coastline, each wave crashing like nature’s applause for our journey. We were back on board just in time for a cocktail on the Upper Deck as we sailed toward Kicker Rock with a beautiful sunset that could have made poets cry. Finally, we gathered for our Farewell Toast. Between laughter, cheers, and snapshots, we celebrated a week full of unforgettable memories. We weren’t just travelers anymore — we were a family of adventurers, forever connected by this incredible journey.
The day began with clear skies over Puerto Ayora, the main town on Santa Cruz Island and a central hub for visitors to the Galápagos. We visited the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center where we saw baby tortoises up close and learned about Lonesome George, a powerful symbol of the archipelago’s unique biodiversity. We then headed into the highlands, beginning with a visit to an ecological farm that demonstrated coffee production and hydroponic farming. The experience offered valuable insight into sustainable practices and the lifestyle of the island’s early settlers. Our final stop was El Manzanillo Ranch, located along a giant tortoise migratory route. After enjoying lunch at the ranch, we explored the grounds and observed the tortoises roaming freely—a magical end to an unforgettable day.
