We started today’s expedition by visiting Fernandina Island. It was a wild visit. We saw a Galapagos snake just next to our feet. A Galapagos hawk captured a baby marine iguana right in front of us, and a crab was bubbling foam as it prepared to shed. Sea lion mothers nursed their babies, and sea turtles swam in the bay. In the afternoon, we visited Punta Vicente Roca and took a Zodiac ride along the coast. We saw Galapagos penguins, many sea turtles, and some Mola mola, known as the second largest fish in the world. Guests enjoyed learning about the geology of the place, and we spotted a flightless cormorant. The Galapagos Islands never stop surprising us. It was a wonderful day aboard National Geographic Endeavor II.
6/12/2025
Read
National Geographic Endeavour II
Bartolomé and Sombrero Chino Islands
Warm ocean air and a colorful sunrise met us as we approached Bartolomé. Guests traveled by foot or Zodiac to experience the compacted ash landscape. On our first snorkeling excursion, we swam with diving penguins and sea creatures like whitetip and blacktip sharks, rays, and parrotfish. On the next snorkeling opportunity, we enjoyed seeing even more fish and sea stars! After lunch, we were back on the Zodiac for a third snorkeling opportunity. We dove in by Sombrero Chino. We spotted whitetip sharks, a school of fish, sea lions, pufferfish, and more. We ended the day by circumnavigating Sombrero Chino on Zodiac. We spotted more penguins. The community spirit that has developed over the week was evident as a Zodiac of guests serenaded Sarah on her birthday! Traveling to the Galapagos has made the world feel small. We have found common ground with guests and staff and made connections between our actions back home and the conservation of this beautiful archipelago. Written by Sarah Magnano and Robin Lockwood, Grosvenor Teacher Fellows
