Española Island, 6/6/2025, National Geographic Gemini
Aboard the
National Geographic Gemini
Galápagos
Today we explored Española Island. We spent the morning kayaking and snorkeling at Gardner Bay and walking along a beautiful white beach.
In the afternoon, we went for a walk and Zodiac ride at Punta Suarez. We observed many of the iconic animals of the Galapagos, some of them endemic to Española Island, such as the waved albatross. This island is definitely one of the jewels of the Galapagos, and a magnificent place to finish this week onboard NationalGeographic Gemini.
Javier grew up on Santa Cruz island where his grandparents first arrived in the 1940´s. Veritable pioneers, his grandparents settled in the highlands where they found a place to raise their children.
Warm ocean air and a colorful sunrise met us as we approached Bartolomé. Guests traveled by foot or Zodiac to experience the compacted ash landscape. On our first snorkeling excursion, we swam with diving penguins and sea creatures like whitetip and blacktip sharks, rays, and parrotfish. On the next snorkeling opportunity, we enjoyed seeing even more fish and sea stars! After lunch, we were back on the Zodiac for a third snorkeling opportunity. We dove in by Sombrero Chino. We spotted whitetip sharks, a school of fish, sea lions, pufferfish, and more. We ended the day by circumnavigating Sombrero Chino on Zodiac. We spotted more penguins. The community spirit that has developed over the week was evident as a Zodiac of guests serenaded Sarah on her birthday! Traveling to the Galapagos has made the world feel small. We have found common ground with guests and staff and made connections between our actions back home and the conservation of this beautiful archipelago. Written by Sarah Magnano and Robin Lockwood, Grosvenor Teacher Fellows
We woke up to the landscape of Dragon Hill and an early morning walk. We had the chance to see land and marine iguanas thermoregulating in the first rays of sun. We observed the different adaptations of the vegetation in an area with intense heat and a lack of fresh water. In the afternoon, we navigated the coastline through a mangrove forest at Borrero Bay. We observed the important role the wetlands play for a whole range of species, including baby sharks, sea turtles, golden and eagle rays, pelicans, and blue-footed boobies. We finished the day by circumnavigating Daphne Major at sunset.
Today has been a magical and adventure-filled day on beautiful Floreana Island, a true delight for the soul! Our journey began with a peaceful and comforting early morning. We embarked on a thrilling wet landing onto a sandy beach, where we explored the fascinating Punta Cormorant. Here, we were absolutely captivated by the sight of elegant flamingos gracing the lagoons with their vibrant pink hues, a truly breathtaking moment! Some guests enjoyed an immersive nature walk, while others captured the beauty of the landscape with their cameras. After our morning exploration, the water called to us. We had a chance to plunge into the crystal-clear waters for snorkeling. Swimming alongside the abundant marine life was an unforgettable experience! We were thrilled to glide among graceful sea turtles and playful sea lions dancing through the currents – a real highlight of our underwater adventure. To top off this perfect day, we launched into a kayaking adventure, paddling through the calm waters and enjoying a unique perspective. After a refreshing swim, we visited the historic Post Office Barrel, sending greetings home in a very special way!
