Today we visited the largest island of the Galapagos archipelago, making up 58 percent of the total land mass—Isabela Island. In the morning we visited Urbina Bay, where we walked on upwelled terrain that occurred in 1954 due to volcanic activity. In this new area, we spotted our first group of Galapagos giant tortoises from Alcedo Volcano, standing by the trail. We also encountered lots of male yellow land iguanas. After a warm walk, we had the chance to cool down, swimming with penguins and sea turtles. For the rest of the day, we had multiple activities at Tagus Cove such as kayaking, paddle-boarding, snorkeling and Zodiac cruising. There was so much wildlife to be seen, and we spotted sea lions, pelicans, penguins and flightless cormorants. Another wonderful day in paradise onboard 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.
