Genovesa Island Birdwatching offers numerous fantastic hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. In addition to taking advantage of the many nearby tourist attractions, the Santa Cruz II Galapagos cruise spends a full day on this island, where guests may enjoy fantastic birding opportunities on Genovesa Island, home to several of our famed BIG15 group. It is included in our Northern Islands Galapagos tour for visitors to see.
Air
It’s a medium difficulty walk across Genovesa Island to the other side. Along the route are large, uneven boulders and flat sections. The red-footed boobies that frequently sit on the branches of the palo santo trees that line both sides of the trail are known to frequent these trees as hangouts. In the thick tangle of branches, you may even spot a white-colored red-footed booby if you’re incredibly fortunate.
The quantity and variety of bird species that swarm the skies are truly astounding, and as you cross over, you are formally entering bird heaven. On this specific occasion, we had the fantastic opportunity to spend time with a little red-footed booby that was only a few inches away from our headwear. We were all in amazement and wonder at this incredible display.
Water
One of the day’s first activities is a medium-length panga trip, which transports us from Santa Cruz II’s anchor point to Prince Phillip’s Steps landing location. The pangas pass by spectacular cliffs that conceal a multitude of living wonders as they go. Red-beaked tropical birds can fly in circles above them while they are here, attempting to elude the frigate birds following them nonstop. Alongside the cliff, one may also spot red-footed boobies and Nazca eagles in flight.
A little nearer the water, we may typically spot marine iguanas, Galapagos sea lions, and even a few Galapagos fur seals lounging on the rocks. Following this trek, visitors are met by a fantastic set of steps encircled by wooden handrails and virtually “carved” into the rocks. Sometimes, it’s exciting to head up Prince Phillip’s Steps, an eminently dubious-looking staircase.
And Earth: A Genovesa Island Birdwatching Experience
The walk starts at an enjoyable level and opens the area after you ascend the steps. Both guests and guides will typically discover plenty of adult and juvenile Nazca boobies in the region above, along with a few frigate birds. And here’s where our Genovesa Island birdwatching adventure starts. There is always a show for visitors to see because there is so much activity around here. Nazca booby chicks can occasionally be seen attempting to take flight or practicing their flying. In other cases, you could even see certain frigate birds proudly showing off their stunning and recognizable crimson pouches, which are entirely inflated and used by the birds to entice.
Once you have had enough time to assimilate all the beauty around this area, your naturalist guide will inform you that the adventure is about to begin and to stay within the designated trails.
