This was our last day of an amazing Expedition. We spent the day at the northern island of Genovesa. This is a seabird sanctuary, millions of birds chose Genovesa as their home. It is situated on the northern hemisphere, a small island, a highlight, a dream come true. In the morning we visited Darwin bay, a perfect place to see the red footed boobies very close. The great frigate birds are found here too and the males are found perched on the bushes and trees, inflating their red gular sack in order to find a female, quite a job! The last opportunity for snorkeling was fantastic! I was fortunate to go snorkeling along the cliffs, the water was warm and calm, besides the large schools of colorful fish, we saw hammerhead sharks very close! In the afternoon, our guests were able to paddle board in the protected sunken caldera of Genovesa, a great adventure with gorgeous views and rich in wildlife. This is a fun activity! The day was not over yet, as the last walk at Prince Phillip’s steps is an unforgettable experience. We walked up to the Plateau, where we saw Nazca boobies nesting, red footed boobies and great frigate birds, the birds are so close, it is just unbelievable.
4/15/2025
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National Geographic Gemini
Isabela Island
Tuesday on Isabela Island began with a wet landing at Urbina Bay where guests ventured on a nature walk along gentle terrain shaped by dramatic geological uplift. The trail revealed fascinating coastal formations and offered close encounters with endemic wildlife, including our first encounter with Galapagos giant tortoises, land iguanas, penguins, and flightless cormorants. After the walk, guests had the option to swim or snorkel from the beach where the calm and clear waters provided a refreshing break before everyone returned to National Geographic Gemini. In the afternoon, we continued north toward Punta Vicente Roca. Guests gathered at the bow with the expedition leader to take in the striking volcanic landscape and learn more about the island’s natural history. The day’s exploration continued with a Zodiac ride along the coast of Ecuador Volcano, offering a closer look at the rugged shoreline and opportunities to spot wildlife, such as sea turtles, penguins, and Galapagos fur seals. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the ship crossed the equator, marking the moment with a pod of dolphins during sunset — a memorable finale to a day filled with discovery, connection with nature, and the wild beauty of the Galápagos.