Today we explored the most beautiful island of the archipelago according to some naturalists that grew up there: Santa Cruz. Back to civilization after a couple of days, we find cars and people again, but we came here searching for the most iconic animal of the Galapagos and the one that gives it its name, the Galapagos giant tortoise! After a bus ride through the island where our naturalist reported on the ecology, history, and lifestyle of the place, we arrived at our destination, El Mazanillo Ranch, to get a closer look at these majestic animals.
5/29/2025
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National Geographic Gemini
Genovesa Island
Genovesa is considered one of the Galapagos crown jewels, and today it was showing off all of its splendor. Immediately after breakfast we put on our sturdy shoes and set out to explore Prince Philip’s Steps. This area is known for opportunities to observe not only large colonies of nesting Nazca and red-footed boobies, but maybe, just maybe, the short-eared owl which exhibits diurnal behavior on this island. After this walk we got ready for a dip in the Pacific Ocean and snorkeling along the inner coast of this caldera. The afternoon was equally amazing as we disembarked to explore Darwin Bay, along a short and easy trail that was packed with wildlife. Here we observed not only nesting frigatebirds, red-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies, but also a few yellow-crowned night herons. It was another incredible afternoon in the Galapagos Islands.
