Santa Cruz Island, 11/14/2023, National Geographic Endeavour II
Aboard the
National Geographic Endeavour II
Galápagos
Today we visited Santa Cruz, which is one of the central islands in the archipelago. We visited the giant tortoise captive breeding center this morning and had a great time watching juveniles and adult tortoises.
Towards mid-morning, we strolled through the village before heading to the island's higher region. We had several options such as going to a local school, or a short visit to two different local farms — one is a hydroponic farm and the other cultivates coffee and cocoa.
After lunch, we enjoyed watching land birds and observing the giant tortoises that roam free on the island.
Gilda was born in Ambato, located in the very heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. Since she was a child, she loved animals, often rescuing street cats and dogs. Her parents always made sure there were nature books and plenty of Jacques Cousteau’s videos a...
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Today was our first day of exploration around the Galapagos Islands aboard National Geographic Endeavour II . In the morning we visited the Island of North Seymour, in the center of the archipelago. Here we enjoyed a walk to our first seabird colony, where we found frigatebirds courting and land iguanas feeding on the new growth of vegetation. In the afternoon we moved to the red island of Rabida. Here we started our snorkeling experience, with some guests going to the beach and others moving to the deeper water. There were sea lions, sharks, manta rays, and lots of tropical fish. At the end of the day we walked along the famous red sand beach to look for flamingos and blue-footed boobies. This is only the beginning of an exciting week ahead.
This was the final day of exploration on our cruise around the Galapagos Islands. By breakfast time this morning we dropped anchor at a volcanic island known as Genovesa. This island has the largest populations of seabirds in Galapagos, and it was perfect for a last stop. We visited the only two sites allowed by the national park: Prince Philip’s Steps and Darwin Bay. All day we encountered red-footed boobies and frigatebirds that are beginning their breeding cycle, using their red feet and their red gular pouches to impress the females of their own species. There was also a baby sea lion that was born just yesterday and still had the umbilical cord attached. When we went snorkeling for the final time, we found dozens of hammerhead sharks surrounded by colorful tropical fish and sea turtles. Our last day of exploration was a perfect way to show everyone this special place that they will treasure in their hearts.
If adventure had a name, it would surely be Bartolomé Island. The day kicked off with an invigorating hike up a wooden staircase that leads to one of the most breathtaking views in the Galápagos, Pinnacle Rock, standing proudly against a backdrop of golden beaches and volcanic terrain. Guides wove tales of fire and ash, revealing the island’s geological history, before leading the way down to a sun-drenched beach where marine iguanas struck their best reptilian poses and sea lions napped like professionals. But the real magic happened in the water—snorkeling alongside Galápagos penguins that zoomed past like feathered torpedoes, while sea turtles glided gracefully, and reef sharks patrolled the depths below. Just when we thought the day couldn’t get better, Sombrero Chino was waiting, small but mighty, with lava formations that looked like a set from a prehistoric movie. The snorkeling here was nothing short of spectacular, with penguins showing off their speed, sea lions spinning like underwater acrobats, and schools of fish shimmering in the sunlight. Later, as we kayaked along the rugged shore, it unveiled a whole new perspective where towering cacti grow defiantly from the volcanic rock, marine iguanas soak up the warmth, and Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttle across the black lava like tiny, colorful daredevils. As the day came to a close, National Geographic Endeavour II drifted past the island’s signature hat-shaped silhouette, a reminder that some of the best treasures on earth require a little adventure to find.
