We began this day dedicated to fathers in one of the most beautiful places on earth, Gardner Bay. Looking out at the turquoise waters that surrounded our floating home, we were excited to explore the undersea realm. Playful sea lions swam quickly and gracefully among the schools of surgeonfish, appearing to accept us as their curious playmates. We eventually landed on a blindingly white coralline beach, where we found hundreds of resting sea lions and Española mockingbirds searching for their daily sustenance, some of them even landing on us. The afternoon brought us even closer to the wildlife as we navigated between marine iguanas warming themselves on the volcanic rocks. Darwin finches flitted about as we continued our walk, encountering endemic lava lizards and a racer snake sunning upon the path. Arriving to the southern cliffs of Española we were surrounded by a large colony of waved albatross. It was incredible to think that this species is endemic not only to Galapagos, but to this specific island. As we returned to our ship, bright sun poked through the darkening clouds and a few Galapagos hawks watched as we leave this incredible place.
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.
