In this Expedition Spotlight, naturalist Steve Zeff reveals the vast beauty and natural wonders found in Northeast Greenland National Park, the largest national park in the world.
Our final day of this wild escape was spent on Catalina Island, an amazing confluence of wild and urban. We disembark National Geographic Quest tomorrow with a new appreciation of wild places that are not so far off the beaten path, and it’s been an amazing experience!
Our expedition onboard National Geographic Islander II took us to the captivating South Plaza and Santa Fe Islands where we were treated to an extraordinary day of wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and a deeper understanding of the islands’ unique ecosystems.
At sunrise we entered Darwin’s Bay, Genovesa, one of the most pristine islands of the Galapagos Archipelago. Genovesa is one massive seabird colony. It has been dubbed “bird island” or even “Hitchcock Island” and is home to the largest population of red-footed boobies. In the morning, we visited Prince Phillip’s Steps, named after the late Duke of Edinburgh, for many years the patron of the Charles Darwin Foundation and a keen ornithologist. Here, we walked through a forest of the peculiar palo santo or incense trees and amongst Nazca boobies, quite abundant here too. Darwin’s Bay beach trail is a real jewel. We followed the sandy trail that is bordered by mangrove trees and salt bushes, from which red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and Nazca boobies observed us to pass their time. Spending hours in such an isolated place where creatures do not fear the sight of humans is quite touching, and it makes one realize how much we need to continue caring for this wonderful planet of ours.
Our day commenced with a pre-breakfast excursion to Bartolomé Island, renowned for its striking volcanic landscapes and panoramic vistas. Once on top of the island, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of Pinnacle Rock, Santiago Island, and the surrounding azure waters. After breakfast onboard, we returned to the golden beach for snorkeling. The underwater experience was captivating, with encounters featuring sea lions, rays, and reef sharks. After this incredible snorkel we changed location to Chinese hat, a small islet adjacent to Santiago Island, named for its distinctive conical shape resembling a traditional Chinese hat. The island’s landscape, characterized by lava flows, tubes, and uplifted sea floors, offers a vivid testament to the archipelago’s volcanic origins. The snorkeling in the channel between Sombrero Chino and Santiago Island was a highlight. The calm, clear waters teemed with marine life. As the sun set over Galápagos, we gathered on deck to share our experiences. The day’s adventures offered a profound appreciation for the islands’ unique ecosystems and the delicate balance of their natural wonders.
We spent the day exploring the island of Santa Cruz. In the morning, we visited the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora. Here, we observed ¨baby giants¨ and some saddleback tortoise adults, too. In the afternoon, we explored the highlands searching for tortoises in their natural habitat. We had a good time talking about these wonderful animals and learning some of the traditions that pioneering settlers inherited and passed along to the new generations of Galapagueños.
