Today was our last full day exploring the Galapagos Islands aboard National Geographic Islander II, and we visited San Cristobal Island. We started the day by visiting Punta Pitt, the easternmost point in the archipelago. We observed various eroding tuff volcanoes. During our walk in the shrubby area, we found red-footed boobies nesting, perching, and resting. After the hike, everybody had an opportunity to swim, snorkel, and paddleboard in the fantastic bay. In the afternoon, guests enjoyed spending time on the white sand beach with charismatics sea lions. What a way to finish an amazing expedition around the Galapagos Islands.
4/17/2025
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National Geographic Islander II
Plaza and Santa Fe Islands
The sunrise was spectacular today! It was a pleasant morning to explore the magical wildlife present on South Plaza Island, an uplifted area full of endemic species. As soon as we disembarked on a little pier, dozens of sea lions came to say welcome. Just a few yards inland, many land and marine iguanas shared the same ecosystem with seabirds, such as swallow-tailed gulls and pelicans. Along the cliff we saw frigates, boobies, shearwaters, tropic birds, and petrels gliding along. After breakfast, our guests enjoyed kayaking and swimming from National Geographic Islander II , while others took part in a stretching session with our wellness specialist on board. In the afternoon, we motored to Santa Fe Island to snorkel with sea lions. Our guests were astonished to encounter these creatures and so many multicolor fish so close that we felt part of their aquatic world. Later, we disembarked on a very small beach which is home to a colony of sea lions. Further inland we spotted some Santa Fe land iguanas resting at the foot of giant prickly pear cacti. It was an amazing day! Galapagos is a breathtaking place.
