Known as ‘Las Encantadas’, the Galápagos are one of the last relatively untouched oceanic archipelagos in the Pacific Ocean, where one can walk through seabird colonies and reptile’s territories. North Seymour is a unique island that is flat and low with dry vegetation, where rich, productive waters converge and therefore several species of marine birds have colonized it. This island has also been freed of introduced species, and it is obvious that the endemic land iguana, a striking reptile with predominantly yellow scales, is doing pretty well despite the chronic shortage of food.
10/4/2024
Read
National Geographic Endeavour II
Genovesa Island
With coffee in hand, I stepped out onto the front balcony of the lounge to see what was going on. We had just entered Darwin’s Bay, dropped anchor, and the juvenile red-footed boobies had found the ship and were flying around us on an inspection tour. The rest of the day continued with discoveries of all kinds. An early morning inversion layer (locally known as “garúa”) had fallen and dampened the environment with much desired drops of fresh water, although the chicks of various species didn’t appear terribly pleased in having wet feathers. On our return, the same bedraggled individuals looked smooth, sleek and dry once the sun had come out. The Galapagos National Park has only two sites for visitors, both spectacular, both well worth a slow walk among the palo santo trees to see the great frigatebirds, red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, Galapagos doves, Darwin’s finches, short-eared owls, and storm petrels. Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding along the base of the cliffs of Darwin’s Bay followed. There’s nothing quite like this island anywhere in the world.
