After a long navigation from Santa Cruz Island the National Geographic Islander arrived to San Cristobal, one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. Our destination was the easternmost point of the island known as Punta Pitt. This is a refuge for three species of boobies and many other species of sea birds, such as frigate birds, storm petrels and swallow tailed gulls. After breakfast we drove our Zodiacs along the coast near the landing site to disembark on the green sandy beach where sea lions were expecting us. We took a narrow trail that leads to the top of the hill to observe a great number of blue footed boobies nesting along the trail. We saw fluffy chicks protected by their parents who were just resting or feeding them. In the distance, perched on trees, red footed boobies nested. Even from a distance it was possible to see their unmistakable blue bills just beside their babies. Far from the canyon that brought us here there is a cliff where this small booby species nest and we were lucky enough to see a couple of them. The real surprise occurred the moment a Chatham mockingbird came close and jumped over the heads of two of our explorers in order to investigate us. That was something unexpected!
After the walk we spent part of the morning swimming and enjoying the company of two young sea lions who were so playful and kept us company on the coast. Soon after the fun on the beach, we returned back on board.
For the afternoon the adventure and expedition was totally different. We moved the ship south along the western coast of the island of San Cristobal in order to disembark at “Cerro Brujo”, a beautiful white sandy beach. At this location we had a chance to relax and swim from the beach with playful sea lions.
It was late when we headed back to the National Geographic Islander chaperoned by sea birds. The sunset looked impressive, coloring the island with a special orange color that provided the best background for memories of this magical week in this natural paradise.
