Today we spent a full day on Isabela, a seahorse-shaped island has many splendid places to see. We explored Urbina Bay in the morning, a place that did not exist above the water before 1960s. Coral heads and shells found inland are proof that the area was once under the water. Nowadays it has a lush forest with many species of plants, a population of Galapagos land iguanas, and Alcedo giant tortoises. We had the opportunity to see it all! In the afternoon, we explored Tagus Cove through various means. Snorkeling, kayaking, Zodiac cruising, and hiking. It was a day full of enjoyment and discovery!
10/4/2024
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Genovesa Island
With coffee in hand, I stepped out onto the front balcony of the lounge to see what was going on. We had just entered Darwin’s Bay, dropped anchor, and the juvenile red-footed boobies had found the ship and were flying around us on an inspection tour. The rest of the day continued with discoveries of all kinds. An early morning inversion layer (locally known as “garúa”) had fallen and dampened the environment with much desired drops of fresh water, although the chicks of various species didn’t appear terribly pleased in having wet feathers. On our return, the same bedraggled individuals looked smooth, sleek and dry once the sun had come out. The Galapagos National Park has only two sites for visitors, both spectacular, both well worth a slow walk among the palo santo trees to see the great frigatebirds, red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, Galapagos doves, Darwin’s finches, short-eared owls, and storm petrels. Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding along the base of the cliffs of Darwin’s Bay followed. There’s nothing quite like this island anywhere in the world.