Rabida and Sombrero Chino Islands, 4/4/2025, National Geographic Delfina
Aboard the
National Geographic Delfina
Galápagos
Our day began with a delightful pre-breakfast walk on Rabida Island, renowned for its striking red sand beaches and dramatic landscapes. As we were landing in Rabida, flamingos flew above us into the lagoon nearby. These amazing creatures were feeding so close, it allowed us to take amazing pictures.
In the afternoon, we made our way to Sombrero Chino, a small island known for its distinctive hat shape. The island is located just off the southeastern coast of Santiago Island and is famous for its clear waters, unique geological formations, and vibrant marine ecosystem.
Anahí grew up in a small house by the beach in the Galápagos Islands. Along with her best friend, she used to wander during the days around mangrove trees, becoming a different animal every day. She used to camp on solitary beaches, snorkel with shar...
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Today, our adventure took us to the breathtaking Española Island, one of the oldest and most ecologically rich islands in the Galápagos Archipelago. Under a bright equatorial sun and a light ocean breeze, we stepped onto the powdery white sands of Gardner Beach. We were greeted immediately by a welcoming committee of Galápagos sea lions. Some lounged lazily along the shoreline, while others played in the gentle surf, offering us an intimate view into their curious and social nature. In the afternoon we landed in Punta Suarez. Here, we were fortunate to observe marine iguanas in peak nesting season. These reptiles dug shallow nests in the sand, defending their territory with slow-motion head-bobs and short bursts of territorial aggression. The true highlight of the day was our encounter with the island’s most iconic resident, the waved albatross. As we followed the trail inland, we came upon many of these majestic seabirds sitting quietly, waiting for their partners to return from their long journey in the open ocean. Overhead, several individuals took flight, gliding effortlessly on the sea breeze with wingspans that defied gravity. Watching them soar against the backdrop of crashing waves and endless sky was a moment of pure awe.
Our first full day on San Cristobal Island was unforgettable. We explored Punta Pitt, where we had the rare chance to see both red and blue-footed boobies nesting along the rugged cliffs. Later, we walked along the stunning white sand beach of Cerro Brujo, surrounded by turquoise waters and dramatic lava formations. As the first island Darwin set foot on, San Cristobal offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and abundant wildlife. The fresh breeze, lush green vegetation, and peaceful presence of sea lions and seabirds made the experience absolutely breathtaking.
Today we arrived at Santa Cruz Island, the vibrant heart of the Galápagos archipelago. With its lush highlands, bustling town of Puerto Ayora, and blend of natural beauty and conservation efforts, Santa Cruz offers a unique window into both the human and wild sides of island life. As we walked among the rolling pastures and forest groves, we encountered many ancient, slow-moving giant tortoises. Some were grazing quietly in the grass, others resting in muddy pools. Their presence was humbling — living relics from another time, some over a century old.
