This is our second day of cruising in the Galapagos Islands, and the National Geographic Endeavour set course south. Española is by far the oldest island in the archipelago, being formed about four million years ago. During its journey, waves and wind have been eroding the land so much that most of the southern part of the island are high cliffs. This island is the home of many different species of marine animals and wonderful landscapes.
During the morning, we visited Gardner Bay. This place has been going through a transformation, from cinder cones to a sandy bottom bay and coral-formed beach. Today we had our first deep water snorkel opportunity next to an islet called Gardner. Here our guests enjoyed some time with tons of tropical fish and the always playful baby sea lions. Also we visited a beach in the bay where we snorkeled in a calm spot, with more baby sea lions and turtles.
During the afternoon, our ship moved to a location on the opposite side of the island, Punta Suarez.
This place is located on the western part of Española, where the water currents have been shaping the cliffs of the island to become nesting grounds for many sea birds species. Waved albatrosses, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, gulls and more are found at this site, and we had the chance to observe them all. We went on a hike that lasted couple of hours on the uneven terrain.
Later, when the sun hid behind the horizon, we made our way back home to our ship, to continue with our journey around the famous Galapagos Islands.
