Today we spent the day exploring the western Galapagos Islands. We visited Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island and Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island. This was a remarkable day because we observed some of the most iconic of the endemic species in the Galapagos, such as the Galapagos penguin, Galapagos sea lions, marine iguanas, and flightless cormorants.
4/14/2025
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National Geographic Delfina
Española Island
Today, our adventure took us to the breathtaking Española Island, one of the oldest and most ecologically rich islands in the Galápagos Archipelago. Under a bright equatorial sun and a light ocean breeze, we stepped onto the powdery white sands of Gardner Beach. We were greeted immediately by a welcoming committee of Galápagos sea lions. Some lounged lazily along the shoreline, while others played in the gentle surf, offering us an intimate view into their curious and social nature. In the afternoon we landed in Punta Suarez. Here, we were fortunate to observe marine iguanas in peak nesting season. These reptiles dug shallow nests in the sand, defending their territory with slow-motion head-bobs and short bursts of territorial aggression. The true highlight of the day was our encounter with the island’s most iconic resident, the waved albatross. As we followed the trail inland, we came upon many of these majestic seabirds sitting quietly, waiting for their partners to return from their long journey in the open ocean. Overhead, several individuals took flight, gliding effortlessly on the sea breeze with wingspans that defied gravity. Watching them soar against the backdrop of crashing waves and endless sky was a moment of pure awe.
