The month of December is known as a transition time here in the Galapagos. We are moving away for the cool temperatures the Humboldt current brings and feeling the warm northeasterlies from Panama. In town, it warmed up early during our visit to the tortoise rearing center operated by the Galapagos National Park, so it was with relief by mid-morning to head up into the highlands by bus to spend time in the farmlands. Part of our group chose to visit a farm focused on using hydroponics and growing the fantastic greens we eat on board (as well as coffee and empanadas). The others visited a traditional farm which makes various products from sugarcane (as well as coffee and chocolate).
6/12/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Bartolomé and Sombrero Chino Islands
Warm ocean air and a colorful sunrise met us as we approached Bartolomé. Guests traveled by foot or Zodiac to experience the compacted ash landscape. On our first snorkeling excursion, we swam with diving penguins and sea creatures like whitetip and blacktip sharks, rays, and parrotfish. On the next snorkeling opportunity, we enjoyed seeing even more fish and sea stars! After lunch, we were back on the Zodiac for a third snorkeling opportunity. We dove in by Sombrero Chino. We spotted whitetip sharks, a school of fish, sea lions, pufferfish, and more. We ended the day by circumnavigating Sombrero Chino on Zodiac. We spotted more penguins. The community spirit that has developed over the week was evident as a Zodiac of guests serenaded Sarah on her birthday! Traveling to the Galapagos has made the world feel small. We have found common ground with guests and staff and made connections between our actions back home and the conservation of this beautiful archipelago. Written by Sarah Magnano and Robin Lockwood, Grosvenor Teacher Fellows