Santiago Island: Chinese Hat and Sullivan Bay, 6/2/2023, National Geographic Islander II
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander II
Galápagos
Our day started with a magical view of this satellite islet of Santiago Island. We went out in the early morning on kayaks and enjoyed perfect light as we encountered a couple of penguins also getting ready to start their day. Later in the morning, it was time to take a dip in these turquoise waters to experience the magnificent wildlife found underwater. The afternoon offered a hike on a moon-like landscape featuring a very young lava field with interesting formations, or a Zodiac ride. The highlight of the day was seeing up to 30 Galapagos penguins throughout the day.
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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The last day of the expedition began with an early hike and a Zodiac ride at dawn, as the soft light of the sun illuminated the horizon, and fresh air filled the air. At sea, the sound of the waves gently crashed against the hull of the boat as we moved towards an area rich in wildlife. Boobies, with their vibrant feathers and courtship dances, stood out among the rocks, creating an image that would remain etched in memory. Seabirds soared across the sky and the rocky landscape of the islands surrounded us, forming a stunning contrast with the tranquility of the sea. In the afternoon, we headed to Cerro Brujo, one of the most impressive beaches in the Galapagos. Stepping onto the soft sand, it felt like we were walking on silk dust. The crystal-clear waters sparkled in shades of blue and turquoise, inviting us to explore its shores, while some sea lions rested on the rocks nearby. The serenity of the place, combined with the natural beauty, made this an unforgettable experience. The day culminated with a circumnavigation around the Sleeping Lion, a rock formation that rises majestically from the ocean. It was a perfect farewell to an expedition that left our souls filled with wonder at the nature of the Galapagos.
Our day at Española Island began with a breathtaking view of Gardner Bay, a pristine white sand beach surrounded by turquoise waters. We started the morning with an incredible kayaking session, followed by snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. Afterward, we enjoyed some time on the beach where we were warmly greeted by a colony of Galápagos sea lions. After a refreshing lunch on board, we made our way to Punta Suárez, a site renowned for its dramatic cliffs and thriving seabird colonies. As the hike came to an end, we were treated to the company of a stunning sunset, a perfect conclusion to an unforgettable day.
Our day began early in the morning with an invigorating kayaking session at Post Office Bay. As we paddled through the calm waters, we were greeted by the enchanting sight of dozens of sea turtles resting lazily near the surface. Along the shoreline, playful sea lions captivated our guests, providing an unforgettable start to the day. Following breakfast, National Geographic Islander II repositioned near Champion Islet where we embarked on a spectacular snorkeling adventure. The underwater world came alive with an abundance of colorful fish darting through the reefs. Playful sea lions joined us, adding a sense of joy to the experience, while sightings of whitetip reef sharks made the outing truly unforgettable. In the afternoon, we disembarked at Punta Cormorant for a hike to the flamingo lagoon, located just behind the landing beach. The vibrant pink hues of these elegant birds stood out as they fed on algae and crustaceans. We also spotted juvenile flamingos, their pale plumage hinting at their age. As the sun began to set, we returned to the ship, reflecting on an extraordinary day spent exploring the natural wonders of Floreana Island.
