It´s our last day of exploration and this week has been wonderful, with so many great wildlife encounters. To finish this amazing expedition, today we visited Genovesa Island, in the northeastern region of the Galapagos archipelago. Early in the morning, some of our guests explored the wonderful cliffs of Genovesa by kayaking and paddle-boarding. Later on, we distributed groups to visit Prince Philip’s Steps and Darwin Bay. Both sites gave us the chance to observe the largest colony of red-footed boobies in the world. Additionally, Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and various species of finches hopped along the trail beside us. We also had the opportunity to enjoy our last snorkeling excursion of the week, and enjoyed wonderful marine species, such as the moorish idols, which are usually present on this area. Visiting Genovesa is a wonderful way to say goodbye to the beautiful volcanic formations and unique wildlife that have given us an unforgettable experience during this week in the Galapagos Islands.
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.
