Our first excursion of the day was a hike at Urbina Bay. Our walk brought us over a wide range of terrain, and we were able to observe many of the pre-historic reptiles that Galapagos is known for, including the giant tortoise and Galapagos land iguana. After the hike, we jumped into the water to cool down and had a great time swimming and snorkeling with sea turtles on this black sandy beach. Back onboard, our amazing chefs prepared a fantastic and traditional Ecuadorian meal for lunch. In the afternoon, kayaks, paddle boards and snorkeling were some of the options, allowing us to observe the unique wildlife of this area. Afterwards, we went for a hike to the top rim of Darwin Lake with a dramatic scenery of volcanic cones as the sun began to dip behind the horizon.
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.
