Today we visited two areas surrounding Santiago island in the north - central area of the Galapagos archipelago. Early in the morning we landed on Bartolome Island, one of the most iconic landscapes of the Galapagos. Here we had the opportunity to snorkel and use our glass-bottom boat to explore the undersea world of this small island. In the afternoon, we sailed to Sombrero Chino, a volcanic cinder cone of spectacular beauty. Here we had a second outing of snorkeling. The wonderful landscape and unique creatures on Sombrero Chino gave us many good opportunities for photography and birdwatching. After a full and active day, we were ready to enjoy a delicious barbecue on the top deck with an astonishing view of the volcanic landscape of Santiago Island.
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.
