Today we woke up at Academy Bay, located on the southeast of Santa Cruz Island. Here, we visited the Charles Darwin Research Station, where we learned about the breeding program of endangered giant tortoises. We also got the chance to experience some local flavor with a stop at “El Trapiche,” a sugarcane press operated by one family since the 1960s. In the afternoon, we went to an excursion to the Santa Cruz highlands, where we could observe giant tortoises on their migration route. It was an amazing to see these huge animals up close and in their natural habitat. Before returning to the ship, some guests explored the main town, Puerto Ayora, and came back with souvenirs. Other guests enjoyed an exhibition organized by local artisans in the ship’s Global Gallery.
6/12/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Bartolomé and Sombrero Chino Islands
Warm ocean air and a colorful sunrise met us as we approached Bartolomé. Guests traveled by foot or Zodiac to experience the compacted ash landscape. On our first snorkeling excursion, we swam with diving penguins and sea creatures like whitetip and blacktip sharks, rays, and parrotfish. On the next snorkeling opportunity, we enjoyed seeing even more fish and sea stars! After lunch, we were back on the Zodiac for a third snorkeling opportunity. We dove in by Sombrero Chino. We spotted whitetip sharks, a school of fish, sea lions, pufferfish, and more. We ended the day by circumnavigating Sombrero Chino on Zodiac. We spotted more penguins. The community spirit that has developed over the week was evident as a Zodiac of guests serenaded Sarah on her birthday! Traveling to the Galapagos has made the world feel small. We have found common ground with guests and staff and made connections between our actions back home and the conservation of this beautiful archipelago. Written by Sarah Magnano and Robin Lockwood, Grosvenor Teacher Fellows
