This island, Isabela, is the biggest island of Galapagos, and here I was born. This island is made of five volcanoes; when you see the island on a map it looks like a seahorse. This morning was beautiful with a clear sky, and from National Geographic Delfina we saw the majesty of Sierra Negra volcano, our destination to explore and admire the second biggest crater in the world. Isabela has penguins at the shoreline, and we got to see them during our pre-breakfast Zodiac ride. We also explored the wetlands, where flamingos and migratory birds feed. Our visit to the breeding center was very interesting; there our guests learned about the efforts to preserve these iconic animals. For the afternoon we explored the beauty of the town and its beaches, lagoons, and picturesque coast. Our day was exceptional, full of magical memories.
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.
