Early in the morning, we visited San Cristobal Island. It was a windy day, but disembarkation was easy at Punta Pitt, a nice greenish beach with particles of olivine that sparkled like little diamonds. What a fantastic landscape we had during the walk inside a volcano. Along the trail we founded blue-footed boobies, and eventually red-footed and Nazca boobies as well. Afterward, we had a nice breakfast followed by snorkeling on a beautiful morning. Next, we sailed south for two hours to get to Cerro Brujo, one of the most amazing beaches of Galapagos, with sand like soft flour that never gets hot. It is also home for many sea lions and birds. The end of the day also meant the end of this Galapagos escape as National Geographic Islander II circumnavigated Kicker’s Rock.
12/6/2023
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National Geographic Islander II
Isabela and Fernandina
Our day began with a mesmerizing exploration of Roca Redonda and Punta Vicente Roca. The morning sun cast a golden glow on the towering cliffs that define this part of Isabela Island. We navigated along the coast, observing the diverse marine life that thrives in these nutrient-rich waters. Notable encounters included playful Galapagos sea lions, elegant flightless cormorants, and sea turtles. Snorkeling enthusiasts were treated to a world beneath the waves and non snorkelers saw just as much from our glass-bottom Zodiac. In the afternoon, our expedition led us to the pristine shores of Fernandina Island. This uninhabited island is a haven for wildlife. The highlights were undoubtedly the iconic Galapagos marine iguanas basking on black lava rocks. As we carefully navigated the island's trails, we marveled at the otherworldly landscapes shaped by ongoing volcanic activity. A sighting of a Galapagos hawk soaring overhead added a touch of wild majesty to our exploration. The sense of isolation and raw nature in these untouched Galapagos corners reminded us of the importance of preserving these ecosystems. Our journey continues tomorrow, promising new wonders in this extraordinary archipelago.
