It is definitely the rainy season in the Enchanted Isles, and Floreana looks emerald green from the distance. This is the mystery island, where humans attempted to settle down, but many did not succeed and either left or disappeared. There are beautiful landscapes all around us, and the wildlife is stunning. Behind the landing beach at Punta Cormorant lies a brackish lagoon that is the home to dozens of flamingos, a resident species. Along its shorelines, we encountered Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas. The dry forest that covers the island is now in full foliage and with such an abundance, many land birds like Darwin finches and Galapagos flycatchers are able to breed this time of the year. At Post Office Bay in the north of the island, we learned about an old mailing system that continues to this day, thanks to the many visitors to this place.
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.