Floreana, 3/17/2024, National Geographic Islander II
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander II
Galápagos
Our day started with a very relaxing kayak excursion at El Mirador de la Baronesa. As we returned to the beach, we had a chance to refresh ourselves with a snorkel around Champion Islet.
We wrapped up our beautiful day with a visit to Cormorant Point Beach where we had the opportunity to relax a little bit after all of our fun activities of the day.
Bernardo, known by his friends and family as Bernie, was born In the Andean city of Quito, located in the highlands of Ecuador. His grandfather, however, moved to the Galapagos Islands in the mid-70s, and worked as one of the first Naturalist Guides,...
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Today our guests experienced Santiago Island. This is the Island that Darwin explored the most when he visited the Galapagos back in 1835. Darwin, together with some crew of the HMS Beagle, camped on the island of Santiago for a week. While on the island, Darwin studied Galapagos marine and land iguanas, collected finches, mockingbirds, insects, and plants. Most of the species that Darwin collected were unique to the islands. Before breakfast, our guests were kayaking through the pristine waters of Buccaneer Cove. This was a unique experience, as we paddled gently along the rugged coastline flanked by towering cliffs and volcanic formations. Encounters with curious sea lions and graceful sea turtles added an element of delight to our adventure. We also observed blue-footed boobies and swallow tail gulls along the cliffs. In the afternoon, as we hiked the trail at Puerto Egas, we encountered a number of marine iguanas basking on the dark lava rocks. Their adaptation to a marine lifestyle is unparalleled, with specialized flattened snouts and sharp claws enabling them to forage for algae and seaweed among the rocky seabed. As we were leaving the trail, our guests spotted a great blue heron standing on top of a tree. Their behavior is characterized by patience and precision, as they stand motionless for extended periods, awaiting the opportune moment to strike at passing prey with lightning-fast reflexes.
With an invigorating stretching session on the top deck, our day started. We had an amazing ride around the collapsing Ecuador Volcano. In the afternoon we added to an already lovely day with a wonderful walk on Fernandina Island, which happened to be spitting lava, transforming the topography of the island.
During our first full day of exploration in the Galapagos, our morning expedition led us to the captivating North Seymour Island, followed by an afternoon adventure on Rabida Island. After an early breakfast, North Seymour welcomed us with its rugged terrain and vibrant wildlife. As we hiked the island, we encountered a seabird colony of iconic blue-footed boobies, magnificent and great frigatebirds, swallow tail gulls, and more. Giant land iguanas roamed the terrain, feeding on the arid vegetation of the island. Later, our journey continued to Rabida Island, where the landscape shifted to a stunning contrast of red sand beaches and turquoise waters. First thing in the afternoon, everyone went ashore to snorkel over a rocky reef that revealed a vibrant underwater world teeming with life, from colorful reef fish to graceful Galapagos sea lions.
