Isabela Island, 8/15/2023, National Geographic Endeavour II
Aboard the
National Geographic Endeavour II
Galápagos
Isabela Island is the largest in the Galapagos archipelago, and there’s lots to see and do. In the morning, right after breakfast, guests had the choice between a long invigorating hike to view the coral heads (uplifted in 1954), or a shorter hike with more relaxation. During both hikes we could observe several local species, including finches, land iguanas, giant tortoises, and flycatchers.
Our younger explorers enjoyed some swimming time at the beach. We also guided them on a little learning experience, as we collected plankton to later observe under the ship’s microscope.
The afternoon was full of excitement as well. Many activities were offered, such as kayaking and paddleboarding. Of course, snorkeling in the Galapagos is an especially good choice, and many guests enjoyed this option.
Later in the afternoon, our guests embarked on another invigorating hike; this time we visited a lookout where we admired several of the volcanoes that form Isabela Island. Darwin Lake is one of the main attractions of this visitor site. This saltwater lake completes an amazing landscape — visiting during the last hours of sunlight is a must for those interested in photography. Other guests enjoyed a Zodiac ride to look for the wildlife that is unique to the western side of the islands. Whichever path we chose, the sunset today was something to remember.
Adriana was born in Guayaquil , the largest city in Ecuador, on the Pacific coast . When she was only a year old, her parents moved to Galapagos where her father captain ed a small bay - tour boat. She returned to the mainland to finish school, but t...
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National Geographic Endeavour II rounds the north of Isabela to reach Fernandina, the westernmost island of the Galapagos and the youngest. Still navigating, we wake up to see the majestic shield volcanoes of these islands all around us. These waters are very rich in life of all kinds, from small creatures to large. Landing on Fernandina is like visiting a zoo where animals are everywhere except that there are no walls or cages. Packs of marine iguanas bask in the sun at every step, and sea lions chill on the sand and rocks. Later, we enjoy more wildlife on Isabela. We take a Zodiac tour to observe the imposing Ecuador Volcano. We celebrate as we cross the equator at the end of another wonderful expedition day.
The first melody of our journey was orchestrated on the serene and beautiful North Seymour Island, which greeted us with a dry landing and the varied harmonies of its enchanting inhabitants. The creatures here don’t just exist; they sing the songs of the island, songs etched with secrets of timeless love and whispers of the winds. It was not a universal chorus but rather a selective symphony, where the male frigatebirds were the primary composers, inflating their radiant, red pouches and filling the air with soulful calls to attract their mates. Each call was a vibrant note in the air, echoing the unspoken tales of the island. The blue-footed boobies, the graceful dancers of the island, were harmonizing with their symphony, their feet—a brilliant reflection of the boundless blue sky—whistling to the females soaring above. This was not merely witnessing; it was like being a part of a delicate courtship dance, where every call, every flutter, every dance step was a clandestine expression of love and attraction. The land iguanas were the silent spectators to this musical. Their distinct yellow bodies basked in the warmth of the rocks, seemingly aloof from the harmonic spectacle unfolding around them. Each sunray absorbed by them seemed to whisper another secret of the island, another tale of its timeless beauty. The sea lions, playful spirits, rested beside the rocks, their silhouettes perfectly etched against the rugged beauty of the islands. Their silent presence was a gentle reminder of the playful essence of nature, of the innocent joys that reside in the simple moments. The rhythm to this island symphony was provided by the click-clack of the swallow-tailed gulls. Each sound was a beacon, guiding their partners through the sea of creatures, a rhythmic whisper in the musical air, adding another layer to the intricate symphony of North Seymour. The next chapter of our expedition unfolded on the mesmerizing Rabida Island, where we were welcomed by the unique red sands with a wet landing. The oxidation of the sands painted the island in distinctive shades, creating a stunning tapestry against the pristine azure waters and opening up a spectacle of nature’s vivid palette. Our snorkeling adventure off the beach was like plunging into a living, breathing canvas of colors, where schools of tropical fish darted around, playing games of hide and seek among the rocks, and sea lions displayed their acrobatic grace in the water, reminding us of the boundless joy residing in nature’s heart. After the aquatic dance with nature, we retreated to National Geographic Endeavour II only to be lured again by the beckoning of a hidden lagoon, a sanctuary revealing the ethereal elegance of pink and white flamingos. Observing them in their realm, existing in perfect harmony, was like witnessing the exquisite balance and grace of life. It was a dance of shadows and lights, a melody of colors and sounds, painting the silent tales of the islands. As we made our journey back, the shores were painted with the sight of sea lions returning from their expeditions and females nurturing their young, a poignant spectacle in the raw beauty of the islands. Every sight, every sound was a whisper from the islands, a secret note in the symphony of North Seymour and Rabida, etching the timeless tales of nature in our hearts.
Today we visited South Plazas to the north of Santa Cruz and Bowditch Beach on the west side of Santa Cruz. The former is home to Galapagos land iguanas, which we observed feeding on prickly pear cacti and basking on rocks. We also observed a variety of seabirds and sea lions playing on the shore. Bowditch Beach was a great place to relax and observe the beautiful scenery on our last full day in the Galapagos.
