The last full day was spent at San Cristobal Island. We started the day at the most eastern point of the Galapagos Archipelago knowns as Punta Pitt. Our guests enjoyed a great hike and a Zodiac ride; it was a delight for our guests this close encounter with the blue footed boobies; all nesting in our trail. Another highlight were the red-footed boobies and the spectacular landscape of this eroded tuff cone. In the afternoon, the National Geographic Endeavour II was repositioned towards Cerro Brujo. One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, you have to be there in order to enjoy the pristine place, its powdery white sandy beach and our eager companions the Galapagos sea lions. A phenomenal week ended and the magic of Galapagos will stay in the heart of our guests forever!
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.
