We spent the whole day at Isabela Island, enjoying the western part of the archipelago one last time. Our planet has seen many changes throughout time, and we are able to witness recent geological activity at Urbina Bay. This area rose out of the sea in the early 1950s. Nowadays it is home to Darwin finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, and Galapagos land iguanas. From time to time, we can observe visitors such as the Alcedo giant tortoise; we were lucky to find several of these gentle giants along the trail. Isabela Island is a marvel of nature, and our guests enjoyed taking pictures of breathtaking landscapes. We had fun while kayaking with Galapagos penguins and snorkeling with Pacific green sea turtles and flightless cormorants. Galapagos…where dreams come true!
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.
