This was the last full day of a fantastic expedition. We visited Genovesa Island, a bird sanctuary located far north in the archipelago. It was a day filled with activities, hikes along Nazca, and red-footed boobies and great frigatebirds. We spotted short-eared owls as they hunted on the trail. Our last snorkeling opportunity featured large schools of parrotfish, wrasses, Moorish idols, and more! Kayaking in the protected waters of the caldera was a joy! With so many unique experiences and the opportunity to make such memories, this was indeed the trip of a lifetime!
6/12/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Bartolomé and Sombrero Chino Islands
Warm ocean air and a colorful sunrise met us as we approached Bartolomé. Guests traveled by foot or Zodiac to experience the compacted ash landscape. On our first snorkeling excursion, we swam with diving penguins and sea creatures like whitetip and blacktip sharks, rays, and parrotfish. On the next snorkeling opportunity, we enjoyed seeing even more fish and sea stars! After lunch, we were back on the Zodiac for a third snorkeling opportunity. We dove in by Sombrero Chino. We spotted whitetip sharks, a school of fish, sea lions, pufferfish, and more. We ended the day by circumnavigating Sombrero Chino on Zodiac. We spotted more penguins. The community spirit that has developed over the week was evident as a Zodiac of guests serenaded Sarah on her birthday! Traveling to the Galapagos has made the world feel small. We have found common ground with guests and staff and made connections between our actions back home and the conservation of this beautiful archipelago. Written by Sarah Magnano and Robin Lockwood, Grosvenor Teacher Fellows