Today we spent the day on Santiago Island, following Darwin steps. We started with an early hike at Espumilla beach, going inland to see what Darwin saw during his time here. There was an optional photo walk along the beach, to learn about nature photography. The National Geographic Endeavour II was repositioned towards Buccaneer’s Cove. Here one of the highlights is snorkeling, and this morning was spectacular. We saw colorful fish, white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos fur seals and a huge and playful manta ray! Kayaking and glass-bottom boat rides were an added plus. In the afternoon, our guests enjoyed a great walk along the coastal area of Puerto Egas. The weather was perfect and we had the opportunity to explore the intertidal zone, as it was low tide. Among Galapagos sea lions, herons, marine iguanas, coastal birds and sally lightfoot crabs, the landscape of this place is just a dream! It was another day in 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.
