Today we woke up anchored in Academy Bay at the island of Santa Cruz, which is the second biggest island of the archipelago; we started our day going to the giant tortoise breeding center, Fausto LLerena. There we learned about all the different projects that are being conducted by the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station to preserve this unique ecosystem. After this, a group of our guests, went to the Tomas de Berlanga School to learn a little bit more about how education works in the island, and another group went to a sugar cane farm called El Traphiche. After the visits, we had an amazing lunch up in the highlands at Aquelarre Restaurant, followed by the last expedition of the day, observing the tortoises in their natural environment on a private ranch known as El Chato.
4/15/2025
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National Geographic Gemini
Isabela Island
Tuesday on Isabela Island began with a wet landing at Urbina Bay where guests ventured on a nature walk along gentle terrain shaped by dramatic geological uplift. The trail revealed fascinating coastal formations and offered close encounters with endemic wildlife, including our first encounter with Galapagos giant tortoises, land iguanas, penguins, and flightless cormorants. After the walk, guests had the option to swim or snorkel from the beach where the calm and clear waters provided a refreshing break before everyone returned to National Geographic Gemini. In the afternoon, we continued north toward Punta Vicente Roca. Guests gathered at the bow with the expedition leader to take in the striking volcanic landscape and learn more about the island’s natural history. The day’s exploration continued with a Zodiac ride along the coast of Ecuador Volcano, offering a closer look at the rugged shoreline and opportunities to spot wildlife, such as sea turtles, penguins, and Galapagos fur seals. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the ship crossed the equator, marking the moment with a pod of dolphins during sunset — a memorable finale to a day filled with discovery, connection with nature, and the wild beauty of the Galápagos.
