Today, our guests explored the westernmost part of the Galapagos. During the morning, we landed and snorkeled at Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island. The countless Galapagos marine iguanas basking on the shoreline were a highlight. While snorkeling in the morning, guests observed Galapagos marine iguanas and green sea turtles feeding on seaweed on the rocks. In the afternoon, we took Zodiac tours to experience Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island. The site offers an impressive view of a collapsed volcano. The cliffs are good perching spots for seabirds like Nazca boobies, flightless cormorants, and Galapagos penguins. At the end of the day, our hotel department offered a wine tasting to celebrate as we crossed the equator.
5/6/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Isabela Island
Navigation brought us to the largest island in the Galapagos Archipelago, Isabela. Holding half of all land mass in the Galapagos, it has a diverse selection of ecosystems that we were able to visit. Urvina Bay was geologically uplifted in the 1950’s, taking two square kilometers of seafloor that was thrust upward, in certain areas up to four meters out of the water. Intertidal species were stranded inland, and we walked upon this area. Galapagos giant tortoises and land iguanas were found on our trail, and we were surrounded by Darwin finches and Galapagos mockingbirds. The afternoon brought us to Tagus Cove where we explored the surrounding waters, encountering Galapagos penguins and Pacific green sea turtles swimming among the kayakers and snorkelers. As the sun dipped below the horizon, adventurous hikers took a fast-paced hike to enjoy an incredible view of Darwin Lake and the immense island of Isabela.
