Isabela and Fernandina Island , 10/25/2021, National Geographic Endeavour II
Aboard the
National Geographic Endeavour II
Galápagos
These two islands have the most active volcanos in Galapagos. Every couple of years we witness volcanic activity in these areas. They are considered friendly volcanoes by geologies and are never a threat to people. Over the years, we have seen the most amazing spectacles Mother Nature can offer, as our planet keeps changing over time.
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...
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.
Our second full day in the Galapagos Archipelago was outstanding. We had so many heart-warming experiences as we enjoyed the presence of some of the most charismatic fauna of the Galapagos Islands. We swam with huge sea turtles as we snorkeled, then saw the cutest and most curious newborn sea lion pups. We also had the rare opportunity to see a flock of blue-footed boobies diving as they were fishing along the coast. It was definitely a day full of wonders (as if they came out of a National Geographic documentary) that only the Galapagos Islands can offer. We look forward to the adventures to come on this fascinating journey through the Galapagos.
