A day of hiking on Genovesa Island under the warm tropical sun is a pristine paradise. During the morning we explored Darwin Bay, surrounded by red-footed boobies and frigatebirds, while the fresh ocean air and salty breeze accompanied us. Despite the sparse vegetation, the contrast between the volcanic rocks and the green mangroves creates a unique landscape full of life, with seabirds flying over our heads. In the afternoon, at Prince Philip’s Steps we saw Galapagos sea lions and fur seals resting on the rocks, and at the end of the trail a short-eared owl hidden among them. The gentle breaking of the waves and the songs of the birds immersed us in the serenity of this isolated corner of the world, where nature feels vibrant and pure.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 08 Feb 2025
Genovesa Island, 2/8/2025, National Geographic Islander II
- Aboard the National Geographic Islander II
- Galápagos
Domenica Guerrero, Naturalist
Domenica was born in the port city of Guayaquil and grew up on a small island called San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands, surrounded by sea lions and the beach. Her love and curiosity for marine life led her to become certified as a Scuba Diver a...
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Genovesa Island
Genovesa Island is a sensory delight. In the morning, we spent time on a sandy trail at Darwin Bay, where the absolute best of the Galapagos can be seen. This time of year – April – is extra spectacular with nesting red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls with chicks, lava gulls, and sea lions with pups. Snorkeling was our last chance to see the underwater realm of the Galapagos before flying back to civilization tomorrow. Calm waters off the beach allowed for long minutes without human sounds. We were successful in finding a short-eared owl. The owls hunt during the day, adapting to their prey’s diurnal habits. This island is…extraordinary in an already extraordinary place.