Today we visited the little Island of Bartolome, located southeast from Santiago Island. Here our guests enjoyed a hike to the Summit of Bartolome, which had them climbing over 399 steps. Once on top the view is spectacular—two golden beaches with green mangroves in between, and black lava flow in the background. Other guests decided to enjoy the golden sandy beach and practice some snorkeling. We had four Zodiacs going out for deep water snorkeling, where white-tipped reef sharks were spotted among the colorful fish. Glass-bottom boat rides were offered, and our guests were delighted with the dry snorkeling option.
National Geographic Endeavour II was then repositioned towards Sombrero Chino, where once again our adventurous guests went snorkeling in the protected waters. There were colorful, silvery fish everywhere, and many playful Galapagos sea lions and Galapagos penguins. Finally, our day was capped off with a coastal exploration on board our Zodiacs, with wonderful weather conditions.
6/13/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Genovesa Island
We started the day with excitement as we landed on the beautiful, pristine coast of Isla Genovesa - a true birder’s dream. Along the sandy beaches and steep cliffs of Darwin Bay, we were surrounded by an incredible array of birdlife. Frigatebirds soared closely overhead with their red pouches on full display, while Nazca and blue-footed boobies nested along the rocky ledges. Swallow-tailed gulls called out as we walked past. In the distance, we saw the stoic and elusive short-eared owl. The island was alive with color, sound, and constant movement. Between our excursions to Isla Genovesa, we snorkeled near Prince Philip’s Steps and discovered a vibrant world beneath the waves. Schools of fish swirled around us, a fur seal turned in the water as if dancing on cue, and sea lions relaxed nearby. As our last snorkeling adventure came to a close, we spotted a sea turtle resting calmly in a crevice. As the sun retreated into the sky on our last return to National Geographic Endeavor II, we reflected on the sheer magnitude of what we witnessed on our last full day. Isla Genovesa, like the other islands, gave us a connection to a sacred world. The harmony between land, sea, and sky reminded us how deeply interconnected, vital, and fragile these ecosystems are. Watching birds tend to their nests and marine life swim effortlessly, we were struck by how little space there is between wonder and reverence. We recognized that our journey wasn’t just about observing unique wildlife, it was about feeling part of something grander and beautifully ancient.
