Genovesa, or Tower Island, is home to over one million sea birds. Our adventure began with a wet landing on a white coralline beach inside Darwin Bay. At low tide, we walked on a platform surrounded by birds of all kinds, including Nazca boobies, red-footed and blue-footed boobies, gulls and owls. When we reached our turning point, the tidal range surprised us as it was to our knees. This slow flowing water g brought young sea lions on what had been our walking trail.

Back aboard, we prepared for our last snorkel. Today we had close encounters with many fish and playful sea lions for the last time. Later, our ship anchored inside Genovesa’s caldera and enjoyed our last delicious lunch by our talented culinary staff.

After lunch, some guests went for a last kayak outing, and then we all landed at Prince Phillip’s Steps, where we were welcomed by more red-footed boobies and nesting frigatebirds. We were able to finally spot the elusive short-eared owl. It was a treat to see this well-camouflaged diurnal raptor.

As our journey comes to an end, we hope the magic of the Galapagos will stay with our guests for a long time to come. Adiós amigos.