We visited the northern island of Genovesa today. This island is a bird paradise; it is estimated that more than a million birds live here! We visited Darwin Bay and Prince Philip’s Steps. We were fascinated by the tameness of the seabirds, including Nazca and red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, storm petrels, Galapagos doves, Galapagos mockingbirds, and the elusive short-eared owl! Genovesa Island gave us a feeling of freedom and the gift of being part of nature and the Galapagos. Our beautiful planet Earth is worth protecting!
2/17/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Floreana Island
The sun had barely risen when we anchored in Punta Cormorant, right next to the striking geological formation of Devil's Crown. Our early morning hike began with playful sea lions greeting us at the shore. This site is famous for its large brackish lagoon, home to many flamingos. We were lucky to spot a few, as they frequently move around the archipelago, and it’s never certain where they’ll be. The island’s landscape was transforming into a lush paradise, with rain bringing life to the dormant palo santo trees. The dry desert scenery was gradually being replaced by vibrant greenery. Punta Cormorant is also known for being a sea turtle nesting site, and we saw fresh tracks of turtles that had nested the night before. We snorkeled around Champion Islet, enjoying the vibrant marine life, including plenty of fish and sharks. The calm waters and excellent visibility made for an unforgettable experience. In the afternoon, we kayaked in a tranquil protected area surrounded by sea turtles and sea lions. Our next stop was the famous Post Office Barrel on Floreana Island, where we left postcards and searched for others to hand deliver back home. As the day ended, Floreana gifted us a stunning sunset to cap off our adventure.