Genovesa Island Galapagos: Travel Guide (2025)

Genovesa Island, named after the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, is nicknamed “Bird Island” for its staggering seabird colonies. The island offers unparalleled wildlife encounters and dramatic volcanic landscapes. This guide covers Darwin Bay hikes, Prince Philip’s Steps, and conservation efforts protecting its critically endangered species.

Genovesa Fast Facts

• Nickname: “Bird Island” due to 2 million+ nesting seabirds.
• Volcanic Caldera: Formed by a collapsed volcano, creating sheltered Darwin Bay.
• No Human Population: Only scientists and guides visit temporarily.
• UNESCO Site: Part of the Galapagos Biosphere Reserve.
• Key Feature: Prince Philip’s Steps (El Barranco), a cliffside birdwatching trail.

Genovesa Activity Highlights

• Birdwatching at El Barranco (Prince Philip’s Steps).
• Snorkeling in Darwin Bay with Galapagos fur seals.
• Hiking the Caldera Rim for panoramic views.
• Kayaking Along the Cliffs to spot red-footed boobies.
• Photographing Storm Petrels evading short-eared owls.

Genovesa Animal Highlights

• Red-Footed Booby (Sula sula): Largest colony in Galapagos.
• Great Frigatebird (Fregata minor): Males display red throat pouches.
• Galapagos Fur Seal (Arctocephalus galapagoensis): Rarer than sea lions.
• Swallow-Tailed Gull (Creagrus furcatus): The only nocturnal gull species.

History

• Volcanic Formation: Genovesa’s caldera collapsed 200,000 years ago, creating a sheltered bay now vital for seabirds. Early explorers dubbed it “Tower Island” due to its steep cliffs.
• Name Change: In 1892, the island was named after Genoa, Italy; the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Ecuador did this to celebrate the 400 year anniversary of Columbus's famed and controversial voyage across the Atlantic
• Scientific Hub: Since the 1960s, researchers have studied Darwin's finches to understand evolution, inspired by the island’s isolation.
• Modern Protection: Designated a strict conservation zone in 1998, limiting tourism to protect fragile ecosystems.

Geography

• Size: 14 km² (5.4 sq mi), one of the smallest Galapagos Islands.
• Caldera: 7 km² (2.7 sq mi) sheltered bay with 25m (82ft) cliffs.
• Elevation: Highest point at 76m (249ft).

Getting to Genovesa Island

Accessible only via Galapagos cruises. Most depart from San Cristóbal or Baltra (Santa Cruz), with no direct mainland connections due to its remote location. The island is located to the far north of the archipelago, making it inaccessible to day trips.

Conservation Challenges

• Invasive Species: Introduced black rats threaten dark-rumped petrel nests. 
• Pollution: Plastic pollution from ocean currents is an ongoing issue. 
• Habitat Fragility: Over-tourism risks trampling storm petrel nesting grounds. Strict visitor quotas to the Galapagos now apply.
• Climate Impact: Rising sea temperatures disrupt the plankton blooms that feed wedge-rumped storm petrels.
• Community Science: Throughout the Galapagos, organizations are working with locals and visitors to help preserve the natural beauty through sustainable practices and increased awareness.

Economy

• Tourism: Licensed cruises generate funds for conservation (e.g., $200 park entry fees).
• Research Grants: Universities fund studies on Darwin’s finches and marine ecosystems.

Climate

• Dry Season (June - November): Cooler, windier (22–26°C / 72–79°F), ideal for birdwatching.
• Wet Season (December - May): Calmer seas, warmer water (24–28°C / 75–82°F) for snorkeling.

Activities & Experiences

• Birdwatching at Prince Philip’s Steps: Climb the 25m (82ft) cliff to see masked boobies (Sula dactylatra) and short-eared owls (Asio flammeus).
• Snorkeling in Darwin Bay: Swim with hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) and green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas).
• Caldera Rim Hike: Trek a short way for views of red-footed booby (Sula sula) colonies.
• Kayaking the Cliffs: Paddle beneath nesting great frigatebirds (Fregata minor).
• Storm Petrel Photography: Capture rare shots of owls hunting wedge-rumped storm petrels (Hydrobates tethys) at dusk.
• Night Snorkeling with Bioluminescence: Float in Darwin Bay’s warm waters after dark to witness glowing plankton illuminating the ocean like underwater stars.
• Guided Bird Census at El Barranco: Join researchers to tally red-footed booby nests and monitor great frigatebird mating displays during breeding season (May–November).
• Storm Petrel Observation at Dusk: Watch wedge-rumped storm petrels (Hydrobates tethys) return to nests while evading short-eared owls (Asio flammeus).

Animal Encounters

Mammals

• Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): Playful pods often breach near cruise ships entering Darwin Bay.
• Galapagos Sea Lion (Zalophus wollebaeki): Males bark territorially on lava rocks near Prince Philip’s Steps.
• Galapagos Fur Seal (Arctocephalus galapagoensis): Smaller and rarer than sea lions, often spotted sunbathing on lava rocks.

Reptiles

• Marine Iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus): Smaller subspecies here feed on algae in tidal zones.
• Lava Lizard (Microlophus bivittatus): Dart across trails, displaying territorial push-up displays.

Birds

• Red-Footed Booby (Sula sula): Only Galapagos colony nests in mangrove trees.
• Swallow-Tailed Gull (Creagrus furcatus): Feeds nocturnally on squid and fish.
• Nazca Booby (Sula granti): Nest on open ground, fiercely guarding chicks from frigatebirds.
• Wedge-Rumped Storm Petrel (Hydrobates tethys): Tiny seabirds perform aerial acrobatics to evade owls.
• Red-Billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus): White streamer-tailed birds nest in cliff crevices.
• Galapagos Dove (Zenaida galapagoensis): Approachable doves with turquoise eye-rings forage near trails.
• Darwin’s Finch (Geospiza spp.): 13 subspecies, including the sharp-beaked ground finch (Geospiza difficilis), aka “vampire finch” for its blood-drinking habit.
• Short-Eared Owl (Asio flammeus): Diurnal hunters preying on storm petrels—unique to Genovesa.
• Yellow-Crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea): Nocturnal hunters stalk crabs in tidal pools.

Fish & Underwater Life

• Galapagos Shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis): Curious but non-aggressive; common near the caldera’s drop-offs.
• Golden Cownose Ray (Rhinoptera steindachneri): Glide in synchronized groups along sandy bottoms.
• Whitetip Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus): Rest motionless in caves during the day.
• Pacific Seahorse (Hippocampus ingens): Camouflaged in seagrass beds near Punta Pitt.
• King Angelfish (Holacanthus passer): Vibrant blue-and-yellow fish dart through coral reefs.
• Green Moray Eel (Gymnothorax funebris): Lurks in crevices, occasionally hunting with Galapagos groupers.
• Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna lewini): Schools patrol deeper waters beyond the caldera.

Travel Tips and Practical Information

• Permits: All visitors to Galapagos need to pay the Galapagos National Park entry fee ($200 for most adults). Additionally, all visitors to the Galápagos must obtain an INGALA Tourist Control Card (TCT).
• Gear: Bring binoculars, a telephoto lens, and waterproof hiking shoes. We also recommend packing quick-dry clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and a waterproof phone case.
• Safety: Stay on marked trails to avoid disturbing nests.
• Responsible Travel: Stay 2m from wildlife; avoid single-use plastics.

Ready to explore Genovesa?

Book your Galapagos cruise today and witness the “Bird Island’s” awe-inspiring wildlife and volcanic wonders!