Today is our last full day aboard National Geographic Endeavour II. We are visiting the island of Genovesa, locally known as “Bird Island.” Genovesa is the northeastern most island of the archipelago. It’s a volcano that is sinking as it moves to the east. The ship anchored in what was once the volcano’s crater. We explored many different nesting sites for seabirds, including red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, etc. We also explored the marine life by snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and taking Zodiac tours along the beautiful basaltic cliffs. We enjoyed unique encounters with the amazing wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.
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.