Today we were at the western part of the Galapagos Archipelago. We awoke at Urbina Bay, located at the base of Alcedo Volcano. We landed at a black sandy beach, and soon we got ready to go for an easy walk; here we saw along the trail Alcedo giant tortoises and Galapagos land iguanas. Afterwards there was time to swim and enjoy the beach. Back on board we were delighted with an Ecuadorian meal and the National Geographic Endeavour II was repositioned towards Tagus Cove. This historical site was often used by boats as a shelter and even nowadays, we can see the graffiti left by the sailors around the bay. In the afternoon, several options were offered at this calm bay such as kayaking, several rounds of Paddleboard, deep-water snorkeling, Zodiac rides and an invigorating hike to the rim of a tuff cone. It was an awesome day, full of activities and unforgettable moments!
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.
