We spent our final full day in Galapagos on San Cristobal, the easternmost island of the archipelago, the very same island where Darwin started his explorations of this magical place! This is a large island formed by the fusion of two great volcanoes, middle of the range age-wise. It has fascinating geology, made of richly texture tuff stone formations and spectacular beaches, and a rich wildlife. We visited two different sites on the island, a place called Punta Pitt to the far north of the island, followed by an unforgettable afternoon explore the long white beach of Cerro Brujo. We later cruised by the emblematic rocky formation named the Sleeping Lion (or Kicker Rock, English name) whilst celebrating many unforgettable sightings and experiences, shared with a wonderful new group of friends.
10/4/2024
Read
National Geographic Endeavour II
Genovesa Island
With coffee in hand, I stepped out onto the front balcony of the lounge to see what was going on. We had just entered Darwin’s Bay, dropped anchor, and the juvenile red-footed boobies had found the ship and were flying around us on an inspection tour. The rest of the day continued with discoveries of all kinds. An early morning inversion layer (locally known as “garúa”) had fallen and dampened the environment with much desired drops of fresh water, although the chicks of various species didn’t appear terribly pleased in having wet feathers. On our return, the same bedraggled individuals looked smooth, sleek and dry once the sun had come out. The Galapagos National Park has only two sites for visitors, both spectacular, both well worth a slow walk among the palo santo trees to see the great frigatebirds, red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, Galapagos doves, Darwin’s finches, short-eared owls, and storm petrels. Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding along the base of the cliffs of Darwin’s Bay followed. There’s nothing quite like this island anywhere in the world.