Today on the National Geographic Endeavour II, we spent the day exploring the northwestern end of Floreana Island. During an early morning pre-breakfast excursion, we landed on Cormorant Point where we hiked around a brackish water lagoon and had a chance to observe American flamingoes and blue-footed boobies up close. Later on in the morning after our ship repositioned, we snorkeled around Champions Islet after exploring the shoreline aboard our Zodiacs. During the afternoon we repositioned to Post Office Bay, where we had the opportunity to participate in the old tradition, established by whalers, of hand-delivering mail to and from the islands. After delivering our postcards, we had a chance to kayak and paddle board in a mangrove area teeming with young sharks, rays and sea turtles. Some of our guests even had the opportunity to spot the first Galapagos penguins of the trip.
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.
