Today National Geographic Endeavour II is anchored inside of a caldera at Genovesa Island. We started the day with a nice walk on Prince Philip’s Steps and Darwin’s bay. Sea birds like Nazca boobies, frigate birds and red-footed boobies were abound. The conditions inside the caldera today were ideal to explore the underwater world, which included snorkeling with the likes of Galapagos sea lions and fur seals. Paddleboarding and kayaking were on the schedule today, and in the company of sea turtles! This was an exceptional last day of expedition aboard National Geographic Endeavour II.
5/6/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Isabela Island
Navigation brought us to the largest island in the Galapagos Archipelago, Isabela. Holding half of all land mass in the Galapagos, it has a diverse selection of ecosystems that we were able to visit. Urvina Bay was geologically uplifted in the 1950’s, taking two square kilometers of seafloor that was thrust upward, in certain areas up to four meters out of the water. Intertidal species were stranded inland, and we walked upon this area. Galapagos giant tortoises and land iguanas were found on our trail, and we were surrounded by Darwin finches and Galapagos mockingbirds. The afternoon brought us to Tagus Cove where we explored the surrounding waters, encountering Galapagos penguins and Pacific green sea turtles swimming among the kayakers and snorkelers. As the sun dipped below the horizon, adventurous hikers took a fast-paced hike to enjoy an incredible view of Darwin Lake and the immense island of Isabela.
