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.
5/17/2025
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National Geographic Islander II
Genovesa Island
Our day began with a wet landing on the coral sand beach of Darwin’s Bay. As we set foot on Genovesa Island — a remote, horseshoe-shaped volcanic caldera in the northern Galápagos — we were immediately immersed in one of the most unique seabird nesting sites in the archipelago. We observed nesting colonies of red-footed boobies, while nearby Nazca boobies and frigatebirds added to the morning spectacle with their calls and displays. The males of the latter species inflated their bright red gular sacs, hoping to attract mates. In the afternoon, we conducted a dry landing at Prince Philip’s Steps, named after the late Duke of Edinburgh, who visited this area in the 1960s. A staircase carved into the cliff led us up to a plateau of sparse Palo Santo forest and a dramatic lava field. This site offered a different ecological setting, where we encountered numerous storm petrels fluttering low over the terrain. These birds are a key reason for visiting this area, as they attract one of the Galápagos’ more elusive predators: the short-eared owl. We were fortunate to spot one of these cryptic hunters nestled among the rocks, a rare and memorable highlight.
