Genovesa Island

Our first full day was spent on Genovesa Island. The overnight crossing to get here was no picnic but luckily since it happened while we slept the effects were diminished. It was quite rocky in the middle of the night when I got up for the restroom but otherwise I just felt like I was being rocked to sleep.

When we're off the boat in the morning I am immediately struck by the beauty of our surroundings. The island is unlike any other place I have ever been, with its towering cliffs, scrubby vegetation, and stunning wildlife. It is a place of contrasts, where the harsh volcanic landscape meets the delicate ecosystem of the Galapagos. Our morning started with a short walk through the rocky terrain to a small lagoon. Along the way, we encountered a variety of birds, including the famous red-footed boobies, with their bright blue beaks and striking red feet. The birds are nesting in the bushes and trees, and we are careful not to disturb them as we observe their behavior.
Most striking is a mama Nazca Boobie with her babies. Her little nest is meer feet from the trail and we snap photos of her from there. She's not frightened in the least and allows us to snap away. This, to me, is the most unique thing about the Galapagos. Because this area is so protected the animals have no reason to be afraid of humans so we can observe them at a close distance with no problems.
 

After lunch on board we hike up a steep (but short) trail to the top of a cliff, where we are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the island and the surrounding sea. The wind whips through our hair as we gaze out at the endless expanse of blue, dotted with the occasional island or passing boat. The bird life up on this plateau is even more impressive, the creatures number in the thousands you can clearly see why Genovesa is a must for bird enthusiasts visiting the islands.