Genovesa Island
I call Genovesa Island “Bird Paradise”— as soon as we disembarked for our morning outing we found ourselves surrounded by many different species of wonderful big marine birds nesting on sandalwood trees as well as along the rocky trail.
Both at the beach landing as well as the steep rocks landing at Prince Philips Steps, we saw male great frigatebirds with their fabulous big red pouches inflated, Nazca boobies incubating and protecting their young hatchlings right at our feet, red-footed boobies perching on trees and bushes, mockingbirds, Galápagos doves, storm petrels and the short-eared owl!
This is a real paradise for the birds and of course for the guests who visit this fabulous natural bird sanctuary.
The highlights in the morning were various, not only walking among these great feathered friends but also kayaking, snorkeling and swimming at the beach and snorkeling in the deep waters with fish and sharks!
Our guests who decided to relax at the white sandy beach shared the morning with lots of swallowed- tailed gulls and their chicks. A young male sea lion was flirting with some young females on the beach, rolling in the small waves and on the shore, and when a male guest would come close, trying to get a photo, he would chase him away. He also chased away a male naturalist who was guarding the beach; he really wanted to tell us he was the beach master, and we all had great fun with such a character.
Those who visited Prince Philip’s Steps in the afternoon had an extraordinary experience with an owl that came closer and closer. It stayed with us until the light began to fade, and it was time for us to depart – which we did, but very reluctantly.
The afternoon was again full of excitement, walking among birds, sea lions, tiny marine iguanas and the beautiful swallow-tailed gulls and their cute tiny chicks.
This is definitely a great way to finish our great week in the Galápagos.
