Located in the southeast of the Galápagos Archipelago, Española is one singular island. It is right in the path of both the South Equatorial current and the southeastern trade winds, which erode the island particularly in its southern coast, and makes its surrounding waters immensely productive. Numbers of marine birds as their home has therefore chosen Española. One of the most captivating bird species is the waved albatross, endemic to the island. Twelve thousand pairs nest on Española between March and December every year, and today we were fortunate to observe them practicing their very elaborate courtship dances. Another charismatic species found in the island in healthy numbers is the endemic Galápagos sea lions; we are right in the middle of their breeding season so we encountered several mothers and their very young pups along the beaches of Española. A fun creature to observe was the Española mockingbird, one of four species of mockingbirds found in the Galápagos Archipelago. On Española, they are particularly feisty and we could watch them fighting over their invisible territories. We had a windy yet incredible day, as stunning wave action constantly washed the shoreline, making it much more dramatic and beautiful. It was an incredible day, full of wonderful landscapes and amazing creatures only found in these magical islands also known as “Las Encantadas”.
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.
