Floreana Island, 3/20/2022, National Geographic Islander
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander
Galápagos
The Galapagos National Park considers Floreana Island to be a great example of people coexisting with wildlife. In fact, the island is going to be the first inhabited place in the Galapagos to be restored. For a time, iconic species were heavily impacted by the introduction of animals. In the near future, we hope to see more Floreana giant tortoises and Floreana mockingbirds roaming wild.
Walter was born in a very small town on the mainland of Ecuador. His first trip to the Galápagos was when he was 12 years old, visiting friends and aunt, who had moved to the islands. From the first moment he saw the Islands, he fell in love with the...
Today we had an incredible opportunity to explore Española Island, one of the most iconic and ecologically rich islands in the Galápagos archipelago. Our morning began with a peaceful kayaking session along the coast, where we enjoyed calm waters and beautiful scenery. We then jumped in for an unforgettable snorkeling experience, swimming alongside green sea turtles, playful Galápagos sea lions, and an impressive variety of colorful reef fish. After our aquatic adventure, we set foot on the pristine white sands of Gardner Bay, renowned as one of the top 20 most beautiful beaches in the world. The contrast of turquoise waters and bright sand was simply breathtaking. In the afternoon, we visited Punta Suárez, a truly magical and iconic site. Here we observed the unique courtship displays of the majestic waved albatross, one of the island’s most emblematic species. The trail also offered us fantastic views of blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, Galápagos hawks, and dramatic coastal blowholes. Española Island is the oldest of the Galápagos Islands above sea level. Today, its rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes reminded us why it holds such a special place in the heart of naturalists and visitors alike.
Today we had a very busy day discovering Floreana, an island full of stories, enigmas, and beauty. We started with a visit to the famous post office barrel, where we learned about the early human history in the islands. Water activities were a lot of fun with baby sea lions full of energy following us along the coast of Champion Bay. Moments of pure joy excited us throughout the day.
Our day began with an early morning landing on the moonlike terrain of Bartolomé Island, one of the most iconic sites in the Galápagos. The view from the summit was well worth the climb—360 steps led us to a breathtaking panorama featuring Pinnacle Rock, turquoise waters, and surrounding volcanic landscapes. Along the trail, our naturalists highlighted fascinating geological features, including spatter cones and lava tubes, evidence of past volcanic activity. We encountered lava lizards basking on sun-heated rocks and got a chance to discuss the processes of island formation and succession on this relatively young island. After the hike, we took to the water for snorkeling around Pinnacle Rock. Visibility was excellent, allowing us to swim alongside Galápagos penguins, sea lions, and a variety of tropical fish. Some guests were lucky enough to spot baby Galapagos sharks and even a green sea turtle gliding by. In the afternoon, we landed at Cerro Dragón on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. This site is known for its land iguana population, and it lived up to expectations. We observed several individuals resting on the trail.
