We started our day with a Zodiac ride around Chinese Hat. We had an amazing ride around penguins and sea lions where we would eventually snorkel. In the afternoon, we continued the lovely day with an amazing walk on an old lava field at Sullivan Bay. Sullivan Bay was originally a lava field formed in the 1880s. Later, we altered its topography by rebuilding much of the southwest part of the island.
10/5/2024
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National Geographic Islander II
Genovesa Island
Today’s expedition on Genovesa Island was an unforgettable adventure. After breakfast, we disembarked at Darwin Bay where we encountered countless red-footed boobies along the beach, which is the smallest of the three booby species in the Galápagos. As we continued, we spotted juvenile great frigatebirds perched on the bushes, their white and brown plumage beautifully contrasting with the lush greenery. To our surprise, we also came across a group of marine iguanas basking in the sun, warming themselves in this cool season. Genovesa’s marine iguana is the smallest of the species in the archipelago. Later in the morning, we enjoyed a snorkeling session where we encountered a variety of tropical fish and playful Galapagos fur sea lions. In the afternoon, we disembarked at El Barranco (or Prince Philip Steps). After a short walk inland, we were lucky to spot a Galápagos short-eared owl (an endemic subspecies to the islands) hunting for small birds, mainly Galápagos petrels. Just before sunset, we returned to National Geographic Islander II tired but elated after such a unique and memorable day in the Galápagos.
