Santa Cruz Island, 12/16/2024, National Geographic Islander II
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander II
Galápagos
Santa Cruz Island is located in the central part of the archipelago, and it is one of the most visited islands for its natural beauty and because it is the best island to observe and learn about the iconic Galapagos giant tortoises. Here, we get to experience the tortoises in their natural environment and at the Galapagos Giant Tortoise Breeding Center.
It was a full day filled with joy and learning experiences.
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...
Our day began with a wet landing on the coral sand beach of Darwin’s Bay. As we set foot on Genovesa Island — a remote, horseshoe-shaped volcanic caldera in the northern Galápagos — we were immediately immersed in one of the most unique seabird nesting sites in the archipelago. We observed nesting colonies of red-footed boobies, while nearby Nazca boobies and frigatebirds added to the morning spectacle with their calls and displays. The males of the latter species inflated their bright red gular sacs, hoping to attract mates. In the afternoon, we conducted a dry landing at Prince Philip’s Steps, named after the late Duke of Edinburgh, who visited this area in the 1960s. A staircase carved into the cliff led us up to a plateau of sparse Palo Santo forest and a dramatic lava field. This site offered a different ecological setting, where we encountered numerous storm petrels fluttering low over the terrain. These birds are a key reason for visiting this area, as they attract one of the Galápagos’ more elusive predators: the short-eared owl. We were fortunate to spot one of these cryptic hunters nestled among the rocks, a rare and memorable highlight.
Today’s adventure began bright and early with an unforgettable kayaking experience around the beautiful Chinese Hat Bay. As the sun began to rise, we enjoyed a light stretching session on the beach, taking in the peaceful morning atmosphere. And the day only got better as the sun climbed higher in the sky. After a delicious breakfast, we set out for a second round of kayaking, gliding through the calm waters surrounded by stunning scenery. Later in the morning, we went snorkeling and had the incredible opportunity to swim alongside our aquatic friends — a truly magical experience. Our boat then set sail toward our next destination: the breathtaking Sullivan Bay. Along the way, we were lucky enough to spot flamingos inside a volcanic crater — a rare and fascinating sight. This was followed by a delightful Ecuadorian-style lunch on board. In the afternoon, we continued our adventure with another snorkeling session, then set out on a guided walk across the dramatic lava fields. To cap off the day, a Zodiac ride offered us a closer look at the spectacular landscape and, to our delight, a glimpse of some tiny penguins… though they proved quite elusive!
Our day began with a wildlife-packed morning on South Plazas Island, where we watched with fascination as seabirds used the updraft to soar back and forth along the cliffs. Afterwards, we kayaked along the neighboring island of North Plazas. Sea lions clambered up the boulder-strewn shoreline, and lava herons hunted crabs. We navigated to Santa Fe Island in the afternoon and enjoyed a snorkeling excursion. Curious sea lions played with each other, and multiple Pacific green sea turtles swam by serenely. Much to our amazement, a school of eleven spotted eagle rays glided by in formation! We went ashore in the late afternoon to explore Santa Fe’s unique landscape and giant opuntia cactus forest. What a wonderful end to our day!
