We started our first full day of exploration with a wonderful sunrise and perfect weather conditions. In the morning we went ashore to stroll along the trail of North Seymour, and with every step we found a different animal. First we saw the swallow-tailed gulls nesting, then sea lions, marine iguanas, land iguanas, and many frigatebirds nesting on the trees. Some male frigatebirds were displaying their ritual to attract the females, which consists of inflating their red gular sacs, then spreading and shaking their wings while making some rattling sounds. In the afternoon we had a great time snorkeling at Rábida Island, and later walking along an astonishing red beach with colonies of sea lions. Behind the shoreline we saw a flock of pinkish flamingoes nesting at the edge of a brackish water lagoon, while others were feeding on mollusks and microscopic shrimp. The sunset on the horizon was the icing on the cake for such a spectacular day of fun in the paradisiacal Galapagos.
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.
