Genovesa Island is one of the northernmost islands and is considered a bird sanctuary. Here we find the largest colony of red-footed boobies on earth. In the morning, we had the chance to see the red-footed boobies up close. We also observed male great frigatebirds displaying their inflated red gular sacks. Mating season in the Galapagos Archipelago is a wonderful time. We observed swallow-tailed gulls all along the trail, and yellow-crowned night herons posed for eager photographers. The last day of our expedition was filled with many activities. Our guests enjoyed kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. We saved the best for last. It was a fantastic day in paradise.
5/5/2025
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National Geographic Gemini
Punta Pitt and Cerro Brujo, San Cristobal Island
Located east of the Galapagos Archipelago, San Cristobal is a stunning island thanks to its geology. As it is one of the oldest, winds and waves have taken their toll, carving into sedimentary rocks, leaving beautiful formations and walls. We visited Punta Pitt in the morning, home to one of five colonies of red-footed boobies. They perch on trees and bushes, and their bright-red feet bring extra color to the vegetation. We had a chance to swim and snorkel off the olivine beach. There is nothing better than being accompanied on a swim by a couple of playful Galapagos sea lions. Captain Nathaly Alban repositioned our beautiful ship to Cerro Brujo by midday, and for a little while, we were followed by curious juvenile boobies. In the afternoon, weather conditions were perfect for us to explore the walls of the tuff cone that dominates this site. The beach here is one of the most beautiful in the islands, with its white, coralline sand and turquoise waters. Back on board, we admired a magnificent Galapagos sunset with some wine tasting as we navigated by the iconic Kicker Rock, celebrating the end of another day in this remote paradise.
