Known as ‘Las Encantadas’, the Galápagos are one of the last relatively untouched oceanic archipelagos in the Pacific Ocean, where one can walk through seabird colonies and reptile’s territories. North Seymour is a unique island that is flat and low with dry vegetation, where rich, productive waters converge and therefore several species of marine birds have colonized it. This island has also been freed of introduced species, and it is obvious that the endemic land iguana, a striking reptile with predominantly yellow scales, is doing pretty well despite the chronic shortage of food.
5/29/2025
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National Geographic Gemini
Genovesa Island
Genovesa is considered one of the Galapagos crown jewels, and today it was showing off all of its splendor. Immediately after breakfast we put on our sturdy shoes and set out to explore Prince Philip’s Steps. This area is known for opportunities to observe not only large colonies of nesting Nazca and red-footed boobies, but maybe, just maybe, the short-eared owl which exhibits diurnal behavior on this island. After this walk we got ready for a dip in the Pacific Ocean and snorkeling along the inner coast of this caldera. The afternoon was equally amazing as we disembarked to explore Darwin Bay, along a short and easy trail that was packed with wildlife. Here we observed not only nesting frigatebirds, red-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies, but also a few yellow-crowned night herons. It was another incredible afternoon in the Galapagos Islands.