Genovesa Island
Also known as Tower Island, this area is located at the northwest corner of the Galapagos Islands. Its home to several different species of birds, such as Nazca and red-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, mockingbirds, frigate birds, sea lions and fur seals, among others.
Today the adventure began with a walk that started at famous Prince Philip’s Steps, where we were surrounded by Nazca booby nests on the ground, some frigate birds, and red footed boobies resting on trees. After we crossed the Palo Santo Forest we were able to see a vast lava field and hundreds of storm petrels flying with some other birds.
Back on board, after the walk, our guests got ready for snorkeling inside the bay of Genovesa Island, which was formed a long time ago with the collapse of a magmatic chamber. Now its home to many species of birds, hammerhead sharks, sea lions, fur seals, and sometimes whales.
After enjoying a good meal, the afternoon arrived. Our next walk was at Darwin Beach, a place crowded with red-footed boobies that have developed adaptations like prehensile feet for holding on to mangroves and other trees. Along the trail we found some male frigate birds on bushes with their red pouches inflated, trying to attract a female, as well as others already with their eggs and some just resting.
While there, guests had the chance to kayak along the volcanic cliffs of the bay. There are many birds that like to nest there, such as swallow-tailed gulls, because it’s a safe and easy area to take off from. Our guests were able to enjoy the motion of the water in their kayaks, and the sound of it on the rocks while rowing.
Back on board, another day went by and the night arrived with its protagonist, the moon. We stodd on deck and welcomed the stars, high above these Galapagos Islands.
