January 18, 2001

After travelling the night to Genovesa also known as Tower Island we entered Darwin Bay which is actually the caldera of an extinct, partially-eroded volcano. We took a panga ride to the surrounding cliffs which form the inner portion of the rim.

After climbing the steep rocks known as Prince Phillip's Steps we came to an open area of nesting Masked boobies and Frigate birds.

Red footed boobies were perchd in a forest of Palo santo trees, while Storm petrels were found in the open lava fields at the end of the trail.

Returning along the trail we spotted a Male frigate bird, Blue footed boobies, a Galpagos dove . and a variety of other birds that are part of this amazing environment.

Far too soon it was time to leave but before returning to the Eric we were treated to a panga ride along the cliffs where we met the Galapagos fur seal.

We returned later to snorkel and as our new found friends studied us we tried to figure out how to put on our gear and enter the water. I wonder what those critters really thought of us?

After an hour the dinner gong went and it was time to return to the yacht to get recharged for an afternoon adventure.

Index — Ecuador & the Galapagos

Adventure Begins