Bartolome & Dragon Hill, 6/11/2022, National Geographic Islander
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander
Galápagos
On our first full day of exploration, we visited Bartolome Island in the early morning. We hiked to the top of the volcano and observed the geological features of this young island located in the center of the archipelago.
In the afternoon, we explored Cerro Dragon on Santa Cruz Island. The area is an important nesting site for Galapagos land iguanas. In order to reach the hill, we walked through the wetlands where we found flamingos! Then we passed through an incense tree forest to finally reach the soft soils of the inland where the iguanas nest. We encountered several land iguanas in the late afternoon as they warmed up along the trails.
Ramiro is Ecuadorian, born in the highlands and raised by the sea. Growing up in the Galapagos was for him an opportunity to learn from up close the importance of understanding and respecting all forms of life. He started his studies in biology and e...
This morning, we embarked on a scenic hike at Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal Island, where we found all three booby species - red-footed, blue-footed, and Nazca. We also took a Zodiac ride along the rugged coastline for close-up views of dramatic cliffs, surrounded by seabirds and sea lions basking in the sun. In the afternoon, we kayaked around Cerro Brujo’s golden cliffs, followed by a relaxing stroll along its pristine white-sand beach. Some even enjoyed a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters. This perfect day ended with a cruise around Kicker Rock, lit in the golden light of sunset.
Today we visited Española Island, the southernmost—and one of the most spectacular—of all the Galápagos Islands. Known for its unique wildlife and dramatic landscapes, Española offered us a day full of unforgettable encounters. In the morning, we landed at Gardner Bay, where a long stretch of white coral sand welcomed us. Galápagos sea lions lounged along the shore, completely unfazed by our presence. Offshore, we snorkeled in the clear waters among colorful reef fish and Pacific green sea turtles. Playful sea lions swirled around us like underwater acrobats. In the afternoon, we explored Punta Suárez, one of the best wildlife viewing sites in the entire archipelago. The trail led us through colonies of Nazca boobies and blue-footed boobies, some engaged in nesting or courtship dances. We also witnessed waved albatrosses, many sitting on eggs or gliding in the wind above the cliffs. The highlight for many was watching a pair of albatrosses perform their elaborate, synchronized courtship ritual, full of beak clacking and head swaying. As we approached the cliff’s edge, we were treated to the dramatic sight of waves crashing against the rocks and the famous blowhole, which sent bursts of water high into the air. With seabirds soaring overhead and marine iguanas sunbathing in every direction, the magic of Española was on full display.
Today the guests of National Geographic Islander II had a chance to snorkel at Champion Islet, just off Floreana Island. It was a breathtaking expedition to one of the most vibrant marine ecosystems in the Galapagos. As soon as we slipped into the water, we were greeted by schools of colorful fish and playful Galapagos sea lions.
