These two Islands show a very interesting contrast, since both are around the same age and just a few miles from each other. The first is small in size, almost barren and volcanic all around; the latter is larger, lush and green in the higher points. They are both on our schedule for the day and we have the opportunity to understand their process of erosion as well as the colonization of plants and animals. Bartolome Island displays the iconic landscape of the archipelago, while Santa Cruz is fertile and commercially active. Both are amazing stops on our expedition.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 12 Nov 2022
Bartolome Island and Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz Island, 11/12/2022, National Geographic Islander II
- Aboard the National Geographic Islander II
- Galápagos
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Galápagos Escape: An 8-Day Voyage
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4/29/2025
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National Geographic Islander II
San Cristobal Island
San Cristobal is the easternmost island of the Galapagos and one of the oldest. It has a wealth of human, geological, and genetic history, with a unique contrast among its habitats. Today we visited its most iconic sites, including Punta Pitt’s golden beach, which is made from volcanic material and is a resting site for sea lions. Its mountain is comprised of compact ash, known as tuff cones. This destination has a healthy colony of red-footed boobies, which are the least known in the archipelago, and we were surprised by the dance of blue-footed boobies and the beautiful great frigatebirds nesting near the trail. We also visited the western central coast of the island at Cerro Brujo, with one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago, with soft, fine white sand. Our day culminated with a beautiful sunset at Kicker Rock.
4/28/2025
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National Geographic Islander II
Española Island
Española Island is an older, eroded volcano with outstanding, unique wildlife. Although better known for the nesting bird colonies, Gardner Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on earth, not only because of its fine, white sand surrounded by colorful turquoise waters, but also for the sea lion colony that rests here. Punta Suarez looks as if nothing could live there, but as we walked along the loop trail, it unveiled highly concentrated nesting bird colonies. Included in its inhabitants is one of the most important, the waved albatross, which only nests on this island from April to December. We also observed Nazca boobies, colorful marine iguanas, lava lizards, and more. What a privilege it was for all of us to visit this special place.