Considered one of the highlights of the Archipelago, Española lies in one of the most productive regions of the Galápagos waters. Small and flat-topped due to millions of years of erosion, it is the home to various species that are endemic to Española, found nowhere else in the world. Gardner Bay, located in the north of the island, is a large beach with white, coralline sands preferred by a colony of Galápagos sea lions. The snorkeling in the nearby islets was amazing, with first close encounters with passing sea lions and large schools of fish. At the western tip of Española lies Punta Suárez; it is considered one of the highlights of the archipelago as the place teams with wildlife: endemic Española mockingbirds, Galápagos sea lions, marine iguanas and the majestic waved albatross.
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.
