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!
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.