Genovesa Island, also known as Tower Island, is home to over one million seabirds. The island offered us an array of highlights today: Nazca boobies, red- and blue-footed boobies, gulls, owls, fur seals, hammerhead sharks, turtles and manta rays.
Our adventure began with a wet landing on a white coralline beach inside Darwin Bay, where we observed colorful birds during low tide. We found ourselves moved as we watched the active seabirds care for juveniles, teaching the chicks so they can fend for themselves one day. Each island has its own ecology, and we spotted some marine iguanas that were smaller and darker than the ones found on islands in the southern hemisphere.
Back aboard, we prepared to search the underwater realm one last time during our final opportunity for snorkeling. We enjoyed close encounters with sea life and admired playful sea lions before returning to the ship for a delicious lunch.
We were then ready to start our next adventure to Prince Philip’s Steps. Frigatebirds, Nazca boobies, and red-footed boobies surrounded us, and a few guests spotted diurnal raptors and the elusive short-eared owl! Birds flew everywhere, and lava formations resembled prehistoric Earth.
Upon return to the ship, we reminisced about our wonderful week. We have bonded like a family, united by the invisible mysticism that permeates these timeless and unforgettable islands. We know that this week will stay with us for a lifetime, and we hold the memories deep within our hearts. We have come to realize that we are not so different from life anywhere and everywhere.
