Is there a better way to spend Christmas than family time spent spotting marine iguanas, giant tortoises and penguins? Today we had a great time in Isabela Island, visiting two of my favorite places in the Galapagos. We first explored Urbina Bay, where we were lucky to find six giant tortoises that are endemic to the Volcan Alcedo area. As part of our hike, we found several land iguanas, finches and lizards, as well as some incredible geological formations and evidence of an uplifting event that occurred in late 1950s. After the hike, everyone enjoyed swimming and relaxing on the beach.
Later, we returned to the ship for a hands-on session on iPhone photography, and after lunch, went snorkeling. We found two species of shark, green sea turtles and various species of colorful fish. In the late afternoon we had activity options such as hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding or Zodiac cruising the Tagus Cove area. To end the day, we shared a wonderful Christmas dinner and enjoyed our time as one great family on board National Geographic Islander.
