This morning we explored the easternmost point of San Cristobal Island, one of the driest areas in Galapagos. This contrasts starkly with the westernmost point of this same island — which is the wettest location of the whole archipelago. This is a natural phenomenon that occurs in some of the big islands, creating different conditions for different animals and plants. In some areas of the Galapagos we have thirty inches of rain a year; a different part of the same island may receive less than five inches. The archipelago has up to six different vegetation zones with different animals and plants; this may be the reason why the islands have a high degree of endemism.
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.
