Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove, Isabela Island, 3/30/2022, National Geographic Islander
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander
Galápagos
Today we started the day by exploring Urbina Bay. Everything around us was green. We observed land iguanas everywhere. We got lucky and saw Galapagos giant tortoises on the trail. After our hike, we went to the beach and enjoyed a refreshing time in the water.
Then National Geographic Islander moved to Tagus Cove. We snorkeled with Galapagos penguins, and sea turtles and flightless cormorants surrounded us as we kayaked. To finish the day, we had the options to hike or explore the caldera on a Zodiac ride. What an amazing day exploring these islands.
Ixora was born in the Galapagos Islands, back when the streets were made of sand and gravel. Void of TV and tablets, her childhood friends and pristine natural surroundings made for an inspiring upbringing. She was always drawn to the ocean and her l...
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Isabela Island is the largest and most active island in the Galapagos. Our journey took us deep into the heart of the Sierra Negra Volcano. We hiked across the vast caldera’s lava fields and felt the air grow thick with the scent of sulfur and mystery. Isabela is an island of contrasts where every step tells a story. This was not just a visit, it was a voyage in the wild Galapagos!
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.
Our day began with a pleasant morning hike at Punta Pitt, located on the northern side of San Cristobal Island. The walk involved an uphill climb from the beach to the peak of a tuff cone. At the summit, we were rewarded with sightings of numerous blue-footed boobies nesting and a significant number of red-footed boobies, including some with chicks. Returning to the beach, we enjoyed a refreshing snorkeling session directly from the shore. In the afternoon, we concluded our wonderful week aboard with a relaxing visit to Cerro Brujo Beach.
