Fernandina and Isabela Islands, 7/18/2022, National Geographic Endeavour II
Aboard the
National Geographic Endeavour II
Galápagos
These two islands are almost next to each other, and both have active volcanoes. From time to time, we can experience very dramatic geological events in this area. Due to its location, the area has nutrient-rich waters, which is why we can observe the largest populations of marine iguanas and sea turtles.
The area also hosts Galapagos penguins and flightless cormorants, and this is the best place to see many different whale species at this time of year. A good reason to spend two days in this location!
Walter was born in a very small town on the mainland of Ecuador. His first trip to the Galápagos was when he was 12 years old, visiting friends and aunt, who had moved to the islands. From the first moment he saw the Islands, he fell in love with the...
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We started our morning by visiting Gardner Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos. We observed many sea lions at the beach. In the afternoon, we took one of the most fantastic walks in the Galapagos at Punta Suarez. On the rocky trail, we spotted albatrosses, blue-footed boobies, gulls, mockingbirds, and finches. It all made for an unforgettable day.
The last full day of our expedition brought us to San Cristobal Island, one of the oldest in the archipelago. Located in the center of the Galapagos archipelago, Santa Fe holds unique wildlife. We started the day with an invigorating hike and exploration of the coast. Red-footed boobies were a highlight for all. Upon returning to the beach area, young and playful Galapagos sea lions frolicked with everyone who entered the water. The afternoon revealed a rugged coastline and one of the most incredible, fine coralline sand beaches in the Galapagos. Shorebirds looked for sustenance in the shallows as sea lions finished their day lazing on the beach. Our final day finished as we passed by Kicker Rock and a setting sun.
We took a good look at a few giant tortoises in Urbina Bay, Isabela Island, but we all wanted a bit more giant tortoise information. These gentle giants are one of the most charismatic of the Galapagos characters. Where to start? At the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center managed by the Galapagos National Park Directorate in Puerto Ayora. Here, we saw them in all shapes and sizes, from babies a few months old to venerable reptiles older than all of us! Lindblad Expeditions supports local initiatives aimed at potentially diminishing the introduction of new invasive species. Granja Integral Ochoa is a place that provides this beneficial support. The hydroponic system is highly efficient and generates fresh vegetables without having to import them from mainland Ecuador. And the quality is so high we serve them to our guests and crew on an almost daily basis. Plus, the Ochoa family makes you feel at home with their warmth, freshly brewed coffee, and scrumptious empanadas. The day wasn’t over yet. Next, we went to Manzanillo Ranch for a meal and more interactions with Santa Cruz giant tortoises. Lunch was fabulous and the tortoises plentiful. It was another wonderful day in paradise!