Genovesa :: (Tower)

This outlying island is situated at the northeast part of the archipelago. Many cruises may not include it because of the long distance (at least an 8-hour trip each way). But if you have time and are a bird enthusiast, this island definitely is a must. It is the best place on the whole archipelago to observe a colony of red-footed booby.

It is also home to sea lions as well as fur seals. As you cross the equator on your way there, many cruises include “equator-baptisms” for passengers who have never crossed that line at sea before. Darwin Bay, on the south coast, is almost landlocked and surrounded by high cliffs. The water is filled with microscopic marine life and for that reason resembles green pea soup. Both visitor sites are located in this bay.

Features

Landing

Dry, Wet

Wildlife

•Great Frigate bird
•Swallow tailed gull Lava Gull *
•Red Footed booby
•Yellow crowned Night Heron
•Galapagos Dove *
•Large Ground Finch
* endemic

DARWIN BAY

Landing: Wet
Located at the northeast portion of the Galapagos, Tower is an outpost for many seabirds and is a favorite amongst birders. Darwin Bay is actually the caldera of an extinct, partially-eroded volcano, with the surrounding cliffs forming he inner portion of the rim. In a forest of salt bush, we find colonies of nesting Great frigate birds and Red footed boobies. A coral beach offers a great snorkeling opportunity.

PRINCE PHILLIPS STEPS

Landing: Dry
Note: Wear good walking shoes
This tour starts with a panga ride along the base of the cliffs. We see squadrons of frigate birds and red billed tropic birds flying back and forth overhead. Red footed boobies are perched on branches of palo santo trees. Take your time climbing the steep rock staircase. At the top, the trails leads to an open area of nesting Masked Boobies and Great Frigate birds. Red Footed Boobies are perched in a forest of dwarf palso santo trees, Storm Petrels are found in the open lava fields at the end of the trail which are prey for the short eared owls.