Today we were welcomed by a clear sky, as we started our day on Darwin Bay beach. Our hike today took us on a loop with many excellent opportunities for bird watching. Swallowed-tail gulls were nesting around on the sandy terrain, while red-footed boobies were building their nests up in the branches of the mangrove trees. Nazca boobies were seen preening themselves on the rocky cliffs, and frigatebirds flew overhead, chasing other birds in order to steal their fish.
We kept walking along the beach until we reached the cliffs, passing by the bushes and the mangroves area where birds were either nesting or beginning the mating process. Frigatebirds were displaying their gular sacs while females were flying around overhead, ready to choose their partner.
The highlight of the morning was enjoying the ecosystem at high tide, where we had the chance to get close to baby sting rays and sea lions, swimming around inside this caldera belonging to an inactive volcano. What an extraordinary experience!
We were back onboard the National Geographic Endeavour before noon, and soon it was time for our next excursions of the day. The upcoming activities options were either deep water snorkeling or kayaking. Our snorkelers had the opportunity to see the amazing fish and underwater species that are found here, while our kayakers enjoyed the beautiful landscapes and rock faces, and even spotted a sea turtle.
In the afternoon, we took a two hour and thirty minute walk along the cliffs on Principe Phillips’s steps. The hike was well worth it for the incredible view from the top, and we were also able to observe the elusive short-ear-owl. This bird has evolved to be diurnal, so that it can more effectively hunt its main prey—the Galapagos Storm Petrel. We were lucky to find not just one, but two individuals during our hike.
Another wonderful day in the Galapagos, full of wildlife sightings!
