National Geographic Endeavour II rounds the north of Isabela to reach Fernandina, the westernmost island of the Galapagos and the youngest. Still navigating, we wake up to see the majestic shield volcanoes of these islands all around us. These waters are very rich in life of all kinds, from small creatures to large. Landing on Fernandina is like visiting a zoo where animals are everywhere except that there are no walls or cages. Packs of marine iguanas bask in the sun at every step, and sea lions chill on the sand and rocks. Later, we enjoy more wildlife on Isabela. We take a Zodiac tour to observe the imposing Ecuador Volcano. We celebrate as we cross the equator at the end of another wonderful expedition day.
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.
