Cutting into the island of Genovesa in the Galápagos archipelago, Darwin Bay is a collapsed volcanic caldera backed by steep cliffs. Only five square miles — and packed with tidal lagoons, beaches and rocky crevices — Genovesa is known as “The Bird Island,” thanks to an abundance of the feathered creatures in all species and sizes.
Birds: Nature lovers, get your cameras and your binoculars ready. On any given day, you’re likely to see dozens of red-footed boobies, along with mockingbirds, swallow-tailed gulls, storm petrels, and Nazca boobies.
Prince Philips’ Steps: This rocky path — accessible by a dinghy ride — is where you’re practically guaranteed to spot some of the 20,000 red-footed boobies that call Genovesa their home.
Darwin Bay and Beach: In addition to the aforementioned birds, you can expect to see some beautiful mangroves here, along with colorful reef fish, sea lions, marine iguanas, and even hammerhead sharks swimming in the bay.
Nature Lovers: Channel your inner Charles Darwin, and bring your sense of adventure. Darwin Bay is a wonderland of unique and diverse wildlife, just waiting for you to discover it.
Watch Where You Step: In the Galápagos, it’s always important to watch out for lizards that may be crawling underfoot, or for swallow-tailed gull eggs in Darwin Bay. The motto here: Take only photographs; leave only footprints.