The highest rates of endemic species are found in the eastern and southern islands. This is due to the fact that they are the first islands on the path of the prevailing winds and currents which flow from the southeast. This means that creatures have been established here for longer, giving them time to evolve into new forms. Amongst the endemic species unique to Española we can find the mockingbirds, lava lizards and the Española ground finch. The island is also home to the only tropical albatross in the world: the waved albatross. The white coralline beaches and bays of the island make the perfect habitat for one of the most charismatic species of the islands, the Galapagos sea lion.
9/20/2024
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Genovesa Island
Today is our last full day in the Galapagos. We are now located above the equator in the northern hemisphere. This is Genovesa Island, a pristine island with more than one million seabirds and home to the red-footed booby and much, much more. In the morning, we landed at a white coralline beach for our last walk among swallow-tailed gulls, red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, sea lions, and the world-famous Darwin finches. Then, we went snorkeling and kayaking along the shoreline. Back onboard for an impressive Ecuadorian lunch, the best culinary cuisine is prepared by our chefs. In the afternoon, we disembark searching for many seabirds like frigate birds and Nazca boobies, but the highlight was finding very illusive short-eared owls. We were lucky to find them. This expedition was also special because we had four new soon-to-be naturalists in training, and we wish them well. Back onboard for our Captain's farewell cocktail and final dinner.