We finished a fantastic expedition by visiting the island of Genovesa. Located in the northern part of the archipelago, Genovesa offers a great habitat for seabirds. Here we find the largest colony of red-footed boobies on the planet! I was fortunate to guide guests on a great walk at Darwin Bay, where we observed swallowed-tailed gulls, Nazca boobies, and red-footed boobies. It was awesome to be surrounded by so many birds. The rest of the group went to Prince Philip’s Steps. From the top of the plateau, you get a different perspective of the island. With over a million seabirds, this island is a seabird paradise. Our guests enjoyed a final snorkel along the cliffs of Genovesa, and we deployed our kayaks and paddleboards for a last time! It was a great last day in paradise!
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.
