Our exploration of the Galapagos Islands today brought us to one of the most magnificent places of the archipelago, Española Island. After a delicious breakfast we got ready for our first adventure of the day along the cliffs of a magical underwater world known as Gardner Islet. As soon as we entered the water the marvels of the Galapagos Marine Reserve were revealed to us. Baby Galapagos sea lions swam around us and reef fish of different colors were found among the rocks.
After the wonderful experience along the cliffs of Gardner Islet, it was time to go to one of the most emblematic beaches of the Galapagos, Gardner Bay. Upon our arrival the welcoming committee greeted us-playful Galapagos sea lions from one of the most spectacular colonies on the Islands. During our visit we witnessed all kinds of behaviors from this iconic mammal. At the very last moment of exploration, the curious Española mockingbirds started a display of different behaviors as they approached us so gently. It was very special.
Once we came back to the National Geographic Islander it was time to taste the flavors of Ecuador provided in a traditional Ecuadorian lunch buffet. Once the anchor was raised we started navigation toward our next destination, Punta Suarez. In the afternoon the adventure just got better. The visitor site was totally covered by colorful marine iguanas. Farther along the trail the another amazing show from nature was displayed in the courtship of the waved albatross. When we reached the farthest side of the trail we had the opportunity of visualizing one of the biggest Nazca booby colonies that are found on the Islands.
On the way back to the disembarkation area we finally experience a sighting of one of the most symbolic birds of the archipelago, the Galapagos hawk. At the end of our journey we enjoyed a beautiful landscape decorated by the sunset on the horizon. Today we had a superb visit at one of the most vital locations in the Galapagos Islands.
