This morning began with an early wakeup call at the amazing Floreana Island. It was a gorgeous morning, clear skies and the perfect light to visit and take photos. As soon as we got to Punta Cormorant, the local blue-footed boobies gave us the best welcome ever, with a spectacular plunge-diving show. Flamingos also awaited our arrival, their pink color casting a striking reflection in the brackish water lagoon. The day continued with a snorkeling session at Champion Islet, fish everywhere and juvenile sea lions playing and hunting. Afterwards, we were treated to a beautiful sunset in Post Office Bay while we went kayaking and paddle-boarding.
5/1/2025
Read
National Geographic Gemini
Genovesa Island
At sunrise we entered Darwin’s Bay, Genovesa, one of the most pristine islands of the Galapagos Archipelago. Genovesa is one massive seabird colony. It has been dubbed “bird island” or even “Hitchcock Island” and is home to the largest population of red-footed boobies. In the morning, we visited Prince Phillip’s Steps, named after the late Duke of Edinburgh, for many years the patron of the Charles Darwin Foundation and a keen ornithologist. Here, we walked through a forest of the peculiar palo santo or incense trees and amongst Nazca boobies, quite abundant here too. Darwin’s Bay beach trail is a real jewel. We followed the sandy trail that is bordered by mangrove trees and salt bushes, from which red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and Nazca boobies observed us to pass their time. Spending hours in such an isolated place where creatures do not fear the sight of humans is quite touching, and it makes one realize how much we need to continue caring for this wonderful planet of ours.
