Today was our last day of expedition in the Galapagos Islands aboard the National Geographic Islander. The Island we visited was Genovesa or “birds island” on the far northeast corner of the archipelago.
This Island is home to hundreds of thousands of birds, and we had the chance to visit the best sites. After breakfast we landed on Darwin Bay’s beach. As this island is far from the rest and close to the open ocean in the archipelago, thousands of red footed boobies use it as a nesting site, as do frigate birds and many other sea birds. Another important fact is that tour boats are relatively new here, therefore the behaviour of these animals towards visitors is so naïve that the experience with them turns very intimate. The flat, easy terrain, made it possible for everybody to walk along and take great photos.
Later, as the sun rose in the sky, we deployed the Zodiacs for those who wanted to enjoy the beach and for those who preferred to snorkel one last time. Plenty of fish were in the waters of Genovesa as it is above the equator and we also found fur seals playing.
During the afternoon we visited a place called Prince Phillip’s steps. As this Island was been formed it collapsed and more eruptions filled the empty spaces creating lava tunnels, which are now used by little seabirds called storm petrels. During the hike we tried to find the elusive Short eared owl that preys on them.
We experienced so many special encounters and moments here in the Galapagos which every guest will hold in their hearts.
