This morning began with an early wakeup call at the amazing Floreana Island. It was a gorgeous morning, clear skies and the perfect light to visit and take photos. As soon as we got to Punta Cormorant, the local blue-footed boobies gave us the best welcome ever, with a spectacular plunge-diving show. Flamingos also awaited our arrival, their pink color casting a striking reflection in the brackish water lagoon. The day continued with a snorkeling session at Champion Islet, fish everywhere and juvenile sea lions playing and hunting. Afterwards, we were treated to a beautiful sunset in Post Office Bay while we went kayaking and paddle-boarding.
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.