Today onboard National Geographic Endeavour II we visited Genovesa Island, a horseshoe shaped island located in the northeastern region of the Galapagos archipelago. The isolation of this island has created the perfect conditions for sea birds, currently they are the most numerous inhabitants of the place. This island is certainty a bird paradise, we walk among hundreds of Nazca boobies, swallow tailed gulls, frigate birds and the very colorful red-footed boobies. The entire site is a nesting ground for all of its creatures. It was amazing to see all the red-footed boobies and Nazca boobies’ nests, eggs, and chicks just being taken care of by their parents. We also spotted a short ear owl -- this top predator was hunting a Galapagos petrel on the cliff. We patiently watched the hunting process until the owl got a prey and flew next to us to eat it. All these magnificent birds together with the very contrasting landscape make it one of the most fabulous places on earth. Today’s images will remain in our hearts for the rest of our lives. What a special way to end our expedition around this enchanted archipelago aboard National Geographic Endeavour II.
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.
