Our journey continued as we arrived at Española, one of the oldest and most diverse islands in the archipelago. Gardner Bay is a coralline sand beach with turquoise waters. It is a favorite haul out for Galapagos sea lions, and young sea lions lazed on the beach as Española mockingbirds flitted about along the coast. The young sea lions swam and played among us as we snorkeled. The afternoon brought us to a rocky path filled with wildlife. Marine iguanas nested along the path, and numerous Nazca booby chicks practiced flying. They jumped from the rocks while their parents looked on. We spotted waved albatrosses along the southern cliffs. The first individuals of the season landed on the island to search for their lifelong mates. The sun dipped below the horizon, and the soundtrack of Española sent us on our way as we headed back to National Geographic Endeavour II.
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.
