This morning we landed at the magnificent island of Fernandina, the most western island in the Galapagos. We encountered a wide variety of wildlife while we walked on a Pahoehoe lava field mixed with sandy terrain. We saw hawks, marine iguanas, cormorants, pelicans, lizards, and more! The morning did not end there. The snorkel of the day was fantastic! We swam with countless marine iguanas and turtles; we even saw a penguin and cormorant in the water. What a wonderful morning, packed with learning and wildlife encounters. In the afternoon, we sailed to Vicente Roca and enjoyed a Zodiac ride. We observed the exquisite geology and lots of penguins and blue-footed boobies, along with a large colony of fur seals. Our equator crossing was the most fun part of the day, as crazy pirates arrived on board to greet our guests in celebration of the crossing.
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.
