We are in the last full day of expedition aboard National Geographic Islander II. We have moved out of the western region to the central part of these enchanted islands. Today we visited two different places on Santiago Island. The day started with a stunning pre-breakfast kayak. After breakfast, guests enjoyed snorkeling and glass-bottom Zodiac trips in Buccaneer Cove. Later in the day, the ship moved location to Puerto Egas, where we took a long walk along the shore. We found grottos used as a resting place by fur sea lions. Guests enjoyed the beach and took a stretching class. We finished our great day with an amazing sunset.
5/12/2025
Read
National Geographic Islander II
Española Island
Today’s expedition took us to one of the crown jewels of the Galápagos Islands, Española, renowned for its incredible biodiversity and striking landscapes. The day offered us a blend of relaxing encounters with marine life and dramatic displays of wildlife along one of the most iconic trails in the archipelago. Our morning began at Gardner Bay, a breathtaking stretch of white sand beach framed by turquoise waters and black lava outcrops. Upon landing, we were greeted by a colony of Galápagos sea lions lounging comfortably along the shoreline. Some curious individuals came close to inspect us as we walked along the beach. In the afternoon, we landed at Punta Suárez, where a starkly different environment awaited. The rocky coastline and dramatic cliffs provided a stunning backdrop for one of the most exciting wildlife hikes in the Galápagos. Our walk took us through nesting grounds of Nazca boobies. The highlight, however, was the waved albatross, endemic to Española and one of the most charismatic species in the archipelago. We were fortunate to observe their fascinating courtship displays—elegant and theatrical, with head bobbing, beak clacking, and sky-pointing rituals.
