Today was a very special day for all mothers aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II, they were fortunate to spend Mother’s Day on a special place, the Galapagos Islands. We started with an early photographic expedition on North Seymour Island, an uplifted island and bird magnet. We observed many sea birds looking for a mate and taking care of their young and our first land iguanas, sun bathing and foraging for food. In the afternoon, we moved position to Rabida Island, a red island due to high concentrations of iron oxide. On our way to our first snorkeling at Rabida Island, we were surprised by a pod of dolphins that stayed with us jumping and swimming around the zodiacs. We finished a beautiful day on the beautiful red beach of Rabida Island for a sunset beach walk, it was definitely a very special Mother’s Day!
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.
