Today we celebrated Christmas in one of the most beautiful areas of the archipelago: the western Galapagos. In the morning, we visited Fernandina Island, a place where plenty of marine iguanas can be found. Apart of these amazing reptiles, we also observed flightless cormorants, Galapagos hawks, lava lizards, blue footed boobies, sea turtles and spotted eagle rays. After this walk, we snorkeled along the coastline of Fernandina. Here, we saw the unique marine iguana feeding underwater while at the same time schools of razor surgeonfish and dusky chubs swam around us. In the afternoon, we did an exciting Zodiac ride in Punta Vicente Roca in the northern area of Isabela Island. The amazing geological landscape and the abundance of wildlife such as Galapagos fur seals and the several species of marine birds made this ride an exhilarating experience. We ended up our day crossing the Equator line and enjoying a spectacular Christmas dinner.
6/13/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Genovesa Island
We started the day with excitement as we landed on the beautiful, pristine coast of Isla Genovesa - a true birder’s dream. Along the sandy beaches and steep cliffs of Darwin Bay, we were surrounded by an incredible array of birdlife. Frigatebirds soared closely overhead with their red pouches on full display, while Nazca and blue-footed boobies nested along the rocky ledges. Swallow-tailed gulls called out as we walked past. In the distance, we saw the stoic and elusive short-eared owl. The island was alive with color, sound, and constant movement. Between our excursions to Isla Genovesa, we snorkeled near Prince Philip’s Steps and discovered a vibrant world beneath the waves. Schools of fish swirled around us, a fur seal turned in the water as if dancing on cue, and sea lions relaxed nearby. As our last snorkeling adventure came to a close, we spotted a sea turtle resting calmly in a crevice. As the sun retreated into the sky on our last return to National Geographic Endeavor II, we reflected on the sheer magnitude of what we witnessed on our last full day. Isla Genovesa, like the other islands, gave us a connection to a sacred world. The harmony between land, sea, and sky reminded us how deeply interconnected, vital, and fragile these ecosystems are. Watching birds tend to their nests and marine life swim effortlessly, we were struck by how little space there is between wonder and reverence. We recognized that our journey wasn’t just about observing unique wildlife, it was about feeling part of something grander and beautifully ancient.
