An equatorial sun brightens the island of North Seymour as we land and explore. Land iguanas, frigatebirds, and blue-footed boobies accompany us as we make our way around the island, proving once again that these species are not afraid of us. The crystalline turquoise water surrounds us as we navigate towards Rabida and we are surprised at the bright red coloration of the entire island. Snorkeling brings us in contact with the undersea world, including white-tipped reef sharks, Pacific green sea turtles, diamond sting rays, and an abundance of fish. In the late afternoon, we go for a walk along the coast, observing young sea lions bathing in the last rays of the late afternoon sun.
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.