The Galápagos Archipelago consists of approximately 13 larger islands, with the youngest located in the west and the oldest toward the east. Those eastern islands show a higher rate of endemism, as creatures have a longer span of time to evolve into new forms, which can only be found here. Today we visited Española, the easternmost of the Enchanted Isles, which is also the home to the only tropical albatross in the world: the waved albatross. With its amazing wildlife and stunning landscapes, there is no better way to start our expedition in the Galápagos!
3/27/2024
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Santiago Island
We are having fun exploring the Galapagos Islands. Today we arrived at the center of the archipelago to explore two magical visitor sites, Buccaneer Cove and Puerto Egas. Early in the morning we explored the shoreline in our Zodiacs and we saw many marine turtles mating and blue-footed boobies diving or resting on the rocks. We also saw frigates, pelicans, terns, and more. After breakfast some of our guests went kayaking for a closer encounter with nature. The snorkeling was also spectacular. We saw three different types of sharks, including a hammerhead. We found a school of eagle rays, a wide variety of multicolor reef fish, and a zebra moray. In the afternoon we explored the coastal line of Puerto Egas. This destination is full of wildlife and along our walk we saw red neck lava lizards, finches, land iguanas, mockingbirds, and hawks. At the intertidal zone we found sea lions, and many migratory birds such as plovers, whimbrels, and ruddy turnstones. We had an amazing day!