Today we disembarked in the north part of Santa Cruz Island and boarded a bus to visit the highlands and search for Santa Cruz giant tortoises. This morning was special because we observed these reptiles in their natural environment. Guests enjoyed great opportunities to practice photography skills on one of the most iconic reptiles found on these islands. We enjoyed amazing talks about the natural history of giant tortoises in the Galapagos Islands, and their role as ecosystem engineers. We ended the first part of our day with a delicious lunch at “El Manzanillo,” a farm owned by a local family. In the afternoon, we had the chance to enjoy the beach at Bowditch Bay. Some guests had a pleasurable time walking the sandy beach while others went swimming and snorkeling along the rocky shore. There, they observed whitetip reef sharks and green sea turtles.
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.
