This morning we had an early walk to the summit of Bartolome Island. This landscape gives you the feeling that you are walking on a different planet; the barren terrain looks like the moon, or perhaps Mars. Very few plants can survive in this harsh environment, like the endemic tiquilia or the lava cactus. After breakfast, our guests enjoyed some time at the golden beach of Bartolome and later on, they went deep water snorkeling. The water was clear, and they saw many colorful fish, sea stars, rays and white-tipped reef sharks. In the afternoon the National Geographic Endeavour II navigated towards Sombrero Chino Islet. Our Captain Pablo Garces maneuvered to bring us close to the Bainbridge Islet and we got to see the brackish water lagoon and a good number of greater flamingos. The snorkeling at Sombrero Chino was awesome, it is like an aquarium full of fish, sharks, and Galapagos penguins that swim right up to us, it was spectacular. The Zodiac ride was a great opportunity to take great photos of the endemic Galapagos penguins.
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.
