We are getting closer to the end of an awesome and unforgettable week in the Enchanted Islands of the Galapagos. We anchored early in the morning at “La Tranca,” a stop for many liveaboard yachts and boats near the Itabaca Channel. After a ten-minute Zodiac ride, we boarded a bus for Manzanillo Ranch, a productive and privately owned farm. As we traveled south, we had the chance to appreciate drastic changes in vegetation. We moved from a coastal, arid zone to a more humid, mist-covered one dominated by Scalesia trees, which are endemic to the Galápagos. Santa Cruz is the only island with six delineated vegetative zones. We noticed the contrast of natural and agricultural land. Finally, we came across the famous giant tortoises! We observed a wide-range of ages, and we were amazed by the tortoises’ appearance. We learned about their lifestyle, their natural history on the islands, their ecological importance, and their interactions with humans. We enjoyed a presentation on the human history of the Galápagos Islands by Omar. Back onboard National Geographic Endeavour II, we headed to Bowditch Bay for some time on the beach.
2/24/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Fernandina and Isabela Islands
Our expedition took us to the youngest and one of the most remote islands in Galapagos. We began our journey at Punta Espinosa, Fernandina Island stepping onto a striking volcanic landscape shaped by recent volcanic eruptions. Among the first signs of life we encountered was a lava cacti with spiny golden stems standing in contrast against barren lava. It is one of the first plants to colonize the lava flows. As we followed the trail, a Galápagos sea lion greeted us, playfully interacting with the tide pools. Moments later, a group of marine iguanas emerged from the rocky shoreline, diving into the shallow waters in search of the precious algae that sustains them. Later in the afternoon, we embarked on a coastal exploration along Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island where the dramatic cliffs and rugged shoreline offered breathtaking views. As we navigated the waters, green Pacific sea turtles surfaced briefly, with their heads breaking the surface in slow and rhythmic movements. Nearby, a Galápagos penguin stood on the rocks while flightless cormorants spread their wings to dry—a fascinating display of evolution in action. The interplay of volcanic rock formations, rich marine life, and striking geological features made for a truly unforgettable experience.
