This is our first full day into our expedition in the Galápagos Archipelago. In the morning, we visited North Seymour Island, just north of Baltra. Although flat and dry, this island is considered one of the jewels of the Galápagos due to the number of unique species that inhabit it. The shallow waters that surround the island are highly productive, and the island was teaming with life; particularly attractive today were the frigate birds, which have already started their breeding season. At times, we could hear the chorus of the males displaying for the female frigates, in a desperate attempt to find a mate. Along the trail, we had to avoid walking too close to nesting swallow-tailed gulls; this endemic species is the only nocturnal gull in the world. A charismatic species that we were able to observe from very close was the blue-footed booby, a fantastic diver that stuns everybody with its kamikaze style. We navigated during lunchtime towards Rábida; thanks to the recent rains, the contrast between the green foliage and the reddish lavas and sands is rather striking. Several sea lions rested on the beautiful beach, oblivious to us brief visitors to their paradise.
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.