The Galapagos Islands
Trip Start
Sep 23, 2010
1
54
366
Trip End
Jul 13, 2012
Where I stayed
The Encantada Sail Boat
Genovesa, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Up at 6.30am for breakfast at 7. During the night we had crossed the Equator and into the Northern Hemisphere to the island of Genovesa, otherwise known as bird island. We started the day off at Darwin Bay and landed the Zodiac on a coral breach right next to a relaxing Sea lion We then went for a walk along the cliff top where we saw, Masked and Red Footed Boobies as well as Great Frigate birds, Galapagos Doves and more Lava Herons. There were also plenty of juveniles of most of the species. It was amazing how used to humans they were and how close you could get to them, the general rule was keep one meter away but that rule didn't seem to apply to the birds who just wandered past your feet or flew right by your head. We then headed back to the boat to collect our snorkel gear and then went straight out again to snorkel from the dinghy. The visibility wasn't as good as yesterday and we were picked up again to find a better spot then snorkelled back to the beach. The dinghy then collected us to go back to the boat for lunch which was beef borginyon with rice and vegetables, and fruit for dessert. After lunch we had a siesta and at 2.30pm we were back in the dinghy to go to Prince Philips Step. There we saw more Boobies, (I love Boobies, especially the Red Footed), Frigates, Red billed tropic birds and Storm Petrels. Then the hunt was on for the Short-eared Owl. Ross (from America) was the first to spot it (so won the beer) flying in to catch a smaller bird popping his head out from his lava hole. It soon became the owls dining room as he devoured the poor unfortunate victim. After that we headed back to the boat, hot and sweaty and once on board we quickly changed into our swimmers and dived into the sea to cool off. Dinner wasn't long after which was fish with chips, garlic mayonnaise, rice and salad, followed by a half peach for dessert. After dinner Juan gave us our briefing for tomorrow (where five of the group were leaving us) and then we set sail for South Plaza Island. We then had another DVD of the Galapagos and then back to our cabin for a chill then bed.
