Genovesa is home to 14 km2 a great variety of birds: there are diurnal owls, nocturnal seagulls and sea birds that nest on trees. Genovesa is known for its large red-footed booby colony (Sula sula). But the chances are also good for observing the diurnal short-eared owl (Asio flammeus galapagoensis), which is endemic to the Galapagos. In addition, frigate birds, Nazca boobies, fork-tailed gulls and red-billed tropical birds have set up their nurseries on Genovesa. Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos fur seals and by far the smallest marine iguanas of the Galapagos round off the animal attractions of Genovesa. And as a special extra, you can snorkel with hammerhead sharks in the water-filled caldera.
Ecuador • Galapagos • Galapagos trip • Genovesa Island
Discover the wildlife of Genovesa
Red-footed booby on Genovesa Island in the Galapagos National Park Ecuador
Sea lion suckling cub on Genovesa Island Galapagos National Park Ecuador
Red footed booby group Genovesa Island Galapagos National Park Ecuador
Frigate bird with nestling on Genovesa Island Galapagos National Park Ecuador
Frigate bird cub on Genovesa Island Galapagos National Park Ecuador
Fork-tailed gulls family on Genovesa Island Galapagos National Park Ecuador
Red-footed boobies with chick Genovesa Island Galapagos National Park Ecuador
Nascar couple on Genovesa Island Galapagos National Park Ecuador
Volcanic rocks on Genovesa Island Galapagos National Park Ecuador
Diurnal Short-eared Owl on Genovesa Island.
Marine iguanas Genovesa Island Galapagos National Park Ecuador
Fur Seal Genovesa Island Galapagos National Park Ecuador
Red-billed tropical birds Genovesa Island Galapagos National Park Ecuador
Frigate birds glide elegantly in the rising winds over Genovesa and we climb ashore from a small dinghy early in the morning. A sea lion baby drinks its morning milk with a loud smack and a tropical bird flies towards the cliffs at lightning speed. The bird island wakes up and my soft yawn gives way to growing enthusiasm. Just a few meters from the beach, two young red-footed boobies are playing with a feather. A funny picture. We walk past countless nests in amazement.
AGE ™
Information on Genovesa Island
Genovesa is located in the northeast of the Galapagos Archipelago. The island emerged from a classic shield volcano, the caldera of which finally collapsed on one side. In fact, the island is a sinking volcano. Since this crater was flooded by the sea, the island has appeared in its typical horseshoe shape today.
Genovesa keeps what its reputation as a bird island promises - wherever you look it flutters, nests and flies. Many rare birds can be wonderfully observed on this island. The feeling of snorkeling in a volcanic crater is also unique and the realistic chance to see hammerhead sharks takes this adventure to the next level.
Explore the underwater world of Genovesa
Red Footed Boobies Genovesa Island Galapagos National Park Ecuador
Prince Philip Steps Genovesa Island Galapagos Snorkeling Ecuador
Hammerhead shark group while snorkeling Genovesa Island Galapagos Ecuador
Underwater photo of fish while snorkeling Genovesa Island Galapagos National Park Ecuador
Underwater shot of fish while snorkeling Genovesa Island Galapagos National Park Ecuador
TEXT.
AGE ™
Ecuador • Galapagos • Galapagos trip • Genovesa Island
AGE ™ visited the Galapagos Island Genovesa for you:
How can I reach Genovesa?
Genovesa is an uninhabited island and can only be visited in the company of an official nature guide. Due to the remote location, this is only possible on a cruise lasting several days. Warning, only a few ships have a license for Genovesa.
What can I do on Genovesa?
The island has two visitor sites for shore excursions, both of which offer excellent bird-watching opportunities. Darwin Bay Beach is accessed via a wetlanding, and the Prince Philippe Steps can be accessed from a dinghy. This second shore excursion also includes a beautiful vantage point over the volcano's ocean-filled caldera. Two marine sites promise cooling off and exciting underwater discoveries. Here you snorkel in the middle of a volcanic crater.
What animal sightings are likely?
The sighting of numerous red-footed boobies and frigate birds is typical for Genovesa. Many other bird species such as nazca boobies, fork-tailed gulls, red-billed tropical birds and Darwin's finches can be seen regularly. With a little luck you can spot the endemic diurnal short-eared owl on a tour of the lava fields of Prince Philipps Steps. Good binoculars can be an advantage here.
An encounter with Galapagos sea lions is likely at Darwin Bay Beach and you will find Galapagos fur seals on their resting rocks. Marine iguanas are the only reptiles on the island. Their small size, which is typical of Genovesa, requires a trained eye.
There is a realistic chance of meeting hammerhead sharks while snorkeling. Depending on the weather and time of year, however, it can get quite wavy in this area. The quieter snorkeling areas offer colorful fish, the opportunity to see sea turtles and, in spring, a chance for manta rays.
How can I book a tour to Genovesa?
Individual cruises also head for the remote island of Genovesa and have permission to land there. First look for ships for the north-west route and then find out exactly whether Genovesa is part of the excursion program of your dream cruise. AGE ™ has Genovesa at one Galapagos cruise with the motor sailer Samba .
A wonderful place!
5 reasons for a trip to Genovesa
Island with a great variety of bird species Large colony of red-footed boobies endemic diurnal short-eared owl Chance to snorkel with hammerhead sharks Off the beaten path
Genovesa island profile
Namur
Spanish: Genovesa English: Tower Island
Size
14 km2
Age
approx. 700.000 years -> one of the younger Galapagos Islands (first appearance above sea level)
Uninhabited island Visit only with an official nature guide severely limited licenses for a shore leave
Ecuador • Galapagos • Galapagos trip • Genovesa Island
Where is Genovesa Island located?
Genovesa is an island in the Galapagos National Park. The Galapagos Archipelago is a two-hour flight from mainland Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. Genovesa is located in the northeast of the Galapagos Archipelago, just behind the equator line. To reach the remote island, it takes around twelve hours to drive from Santa Cruz.
How is the weather in Galapagos?
Temperatures are between 20 and 30 ° C all year round. December to June is the hot season and July to November is the warm season. The rainy season lasts from January to May, the rest of the year is dry season. During the rainy season, the water temperature is highest at around 26 ° C. In the dry season it drops to 22 ° C.
Ecuador • Galapagos • Galapagos trip • Genovesa Island
Enjoy the AGE ™ Picture Gallery: The Galapagos Island Genovesa - Wildlife Above and Underwater
(For a relaxed slide show in full format, simply click on a photo and use the arrow key to move forward)
Ecuador • Galapagos • Galapagos trip • Genovesa Island
Copyrights and Copyright
Texts and photos are protected by copyright. The copyright of this article in words and images is entirely owned by AGE ™. All rights are reserved. Content for print / online media can be licensed on request.
Source reference for text research
Information on site, as well as personal experiences when visiting the Galapagos National Park in February / March and July / August 2021.
This website uses cookies: You can of course delete these cookies and deactivate the function at any time. We use cookies in order to be able to present the contents of the homepage to you in the best possible way and to be able to offer functions for social media as well as to be able to analyze the access to our website. In principle, information about your use of our website can be passed on to our partners for social media and analysis. Our partners can combine this information with other data that you have provided to them or that they have collected as part of your use of the services.AgreeMore information
How can I reach Genovesa?
How can I reach Genovesa?
What can I do on Genovesa?
What can I do on Genovesa?
What animal sightings are likely?
How can I book a tour to Genovesa?
Namur
Size
Age
vegetation
Wildlife
Protection status
How is the weather in Galapagos?
