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.
6/9/2025
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National Geographic Islander II
Española Island
Today we had an incredible opportunity to explore Española Island, one of the most iconic and ecologically rich islands in the Galápagos archipelago. Our morning began with a peaceful kayaking session along the coast, where we enjoyed calm waters and beautiful scenery. We then jumped in for an unforgettable snorkeling experience, swimming alongside green sea turtles, playful Galápagos sea lions, and an impressive variety of colorful reef fish. After our aquatic adventure, we set foot on the pristine white sands of Gardner Bay, renowned as one of the top 20 most beautiful beaches in the world. The contrast of turquoise waters and bright sand was simply breathtaking. In the afternoon, we visited Punta Suárez, a truly magical and iconic site. Here we observed the unique courtship displays of the majestic waved albatross, one of the island’s most emblematic species. The trail also offered us fantastic views of blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, Galápagos hawks, and dramatic coastal blowholes. Española Island is the oldest of the Galápagos Islands above sea level. Today, its rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes reminded us why it holds such a special place in the heart of naturalists and visitors alike.
