What a magical day we had today! We saw a Bryde’s whale and a pod of common dolphins even before we started with our daily activities. The snorkeling was fabulous. We swam with green sea turtles, Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, lots of different fish — even marine iguanas were in the water with us. The land was abundant too; there were thousands of marine iguanas all over the area we explored today. Galapagos sea lions looked like they were posing for us. The Galapagos hawk was perched on one of the mangroves in the zone, probably looking for its next prey. The whole day was a blessing from nature.
1/7/2025
Read
National Geographic Islander II
San Cristóbal Island
The last day of the expedition began with an early hike and a Zodiac ride at dawn, as the soft light of the sun illuminated the horizon, and fresh air filled the air. At sea, the sound of the waves gently crashed against the hull of the boat as we moved towards an area rich in wildlife. Boobies, with their vibrant feathers and courtship dances, stood out among the rocks, creating an image that would remain etched in memory. Seabirds soared across the sky and the rocky landscape of the islands surrounded us, forming a stunning contrast with the tranquility of the sea. In the afternoon, we headed to Cerro Brujo, one of the most impressive beaches in the Galapagos. Stepping onto the soft sand, it felt like we were walking on silk dust. The crystal-clear waters sparkled in shades of blue and turquoise, inviting us to explore its shores, while some sea lions rested on the rocks nearby. The serenity of the place, combined with the natural beauty, made this an unforgettable experience. The day culminated with a circumnavigation around the Sleeping Lion, a rock formation that rises majestically from the ocean. It was a perfect farewell to an expedition that left our souls filled with wonder at the nature of the Galapagos.
