Genovesa Island
The islands are born of fire and baked by the hot equatorial sun, yet their shorelines are bathed by cool and temperate rich waters. This contradiction lies at the very heart of the strange and unique ecosystem of the Galápagos Islands.
There are three main currents that travel along the equator and through the archipelago; the cold, nutrient-rich Humboldt Current from the south; the even colder Cromwell underwater current from the west, and the warm, nutrient-poor waters from the north.
This unusual assemblage of currents affecting the islands has created five main eco-regions, and as we have been moving from island to island, we have clearly felt and observed the differences between these regions. Today we have reached one of the most northerly islands of the archipelago. This island is called Tower, and it’s famous for having one of the richest bird life populations of the whole archipelago. Our guests were fascinated by different sea birds sharing the same environment. One of the most attractive of all was the male frigates with their characteristic gular pouches. Their pouches were fully inflated as they were broadcasting for a mate. Red footed boobies were also perching on top of trees, while swallow tailed-gulls were resting along the sandy area. Later in the morning, it was time for water activities; some decided to snorkel, while others founded it more appealing to explore the nearby cliffs of Genovesa Island from the kayaks. Overall, it was a superb day!
The islands are born of fire and baked by the hot equatorial sun, yet their shorelines are bathed by cool and temperate rich waters. This contradiction lies at the very heart of the strange and unique ecosystem of the Galápagos Islands.
There are three main currents that travel along the equator and through the archipelago; the cold, nutrient-rich Humboldt Current from the south; the even colder Cromwell underwater current from the west, and the warm, nutrient-poor waters from the north.
This unusual assemblage of currents affecting the islands has created five main eco-regions, and as we have been moving from island to island, we have clearly felt and observed the differences between these regions. Today we have reached one of the most northerly islands of the archipelago. This island is called Tower, and it’s famous for having one of the richest bird life populations of the whole archipelago. Our guests were fascinated by different sea birds sharing the same environment. One of the most attractive of all was the male frigates with their characteristic gular pouches. Their pouches were fully inflated as they were broadcasting for a mate. Red footed boobies were also perching on top of trees, while swallow tailed-gulls were resting along the sandy area. Later in the morning, it was time for water activities; some decided to snorkel, while others founded it more appealing to explore the nearby cliffs of Genovesa Island from the kayaks. Overall, it was a superb day!
