The highest rates of endemic species are found in the eastern and southern islands. This is due to the fact that they are the first islands on the path of the prevailing winds and currents which flow from the southeast. This means that creatures have been established here for longer, giving them time to evolve into new forms. Amongst the endemic species unique to Española we can find the mockingbirds, lava lizards and the Española ground finch. The island is also home to the only tropical albatross in the world: the waved albatross. The white coralline beaches and bays of the island make the perfect habitat for one of the most charismatic species of the islands, the Galapagos sea lion.
10/3/2024
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Bartholomew Island and Sombrero Chino
We split into groups for different excursions this morning. Four groups went up the staircase to the top for the iconic view over the isthmus of Bartholomew Island and Pinnacle Rock. We walked past exposed volcanic formations of all sorts: spatter cones, tuff cones, and lava tubes. Two other groups chose to explore along the coast by Zodiac in hopes of Galapagos penguin sightings. All of us were successful in what we hoped for and even the walkers saw penguins near the dock where we disembarked! Both snorkeling off the beach and deep-water outings along the backside of the island were tremendously productive because we saw it all: penguins and sharks being the top species, and diving blue-footed boobies too! The afternoon had National Geographic Endeavour II anchored not too far south, off the coast of Santiago Island near Sombrero Chino. A dramatically barren, small volcanic cone where another snorkeling outing was offered and late-afternoon Zodiac rides to search yet one more time for penguins. We can never get enough of them!