Espanola is one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos Archipelago, with an estimated age of 3.5 million years. This island has two wonderful visitors’ sites with a great variety of species, some of which are endemic to the entire archipelago such as marine iguanas, sea lions, Darwin finches, Galapagos hawks. Española also has several of its own species, including lava lizards, Española mockingbirds, a saddleback land tortoise species, and the waved albatross. The albatross is not on the island all year around, but the entire population reproduces on Española. A long list of native sea birds are frequently encountered such as boobies, pelicans, warblers, and frigates. Espanola is only 60 square kilometers, and it is located on the most southern part of the Galapagos. It is without a doubt one of my favorite Islands, and certainly a highlight for our guests!
10/4/2024
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Genovesa Island
With coffee in hand, I stepped out onto the front balcony of the lounge to see what was going on. We had just entered Darwin’s Bay, dropped anchor, and the juvenile red-footed boobies had found the ship and were flying around us on an inspection tour. The rest of the day continued with discoveries of all kinds. An early morning inversion layer (locally known as “garúa”) had fallen and dampened the environment with much desired drops of fresh water, although the chicks of various species didn’t appear terribly pleased in having wet feathers. On our return, the same bedraggled individuals looked smooth, sleek and dry once the sun had come out. The Galapagos National Park has only two sites for visitors, both spectacular, both well worth a slow walk among the palo santo trees to see the great frigatebirds, red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, Galapagos doves, Darwin’s finches, short-eared owls, and storm petrels. Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding along the base of the cliffs of Darwin’s Bay followed. There’s nothing quite like this island anywhere in the world.