This journey continues as we visit the northern coast of Santa Cruz. A relatively dry environment in comparison with the lush southern coast as this is in the rain shadow of the island. We explore Dragon Hill finding land iguanas mixed with close relatives of lava lizards and the marine iguana. Flycatchers flit about feeding and the occasional mocking bird declares its territory. A forest of opuntia prickly pear cactus lines our path as we return to the coast. Exploration of the surrounding sea allows us a look at the three-dimensional world and the unique species found there. The afternoon finds us explore the coastal mangrove environment. As the sun falls into the horizon, we circumnavigate Daphne Island and learn of the incredible scientific study of Darwin finches found on this island and their evolutionary history.
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.