Today the National Geographic Endeavour II anchored at Espumilla Bay, and our early risers began preparing at sunrise for the pre-breakfast activities, which included kayaking and hiking along the shoreline of James Island. After breakfast we repositioned to Buccaneer’s Cove, which would be our snorkel site of the morning. We also offered the glass-bottom boat and another round of kayaking. After an incredible snorkeling excursion with plenty of colorful fish and a coastal exploration aboard our kayaks, we return to the National Geographic Endeavour II for lunch while our captain repositioned the ship to the afternoon visitor’s site, Puerto Egas at South James Bay. Here, our guests had the opportunity to snorkel off the beach or take hikes along the intertidal zone.
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.
