About Us
Our Safari Camp, roamed by wild giant tortoises and bordering the Galapagos National Park, is small by design and exclusive by definition. We design tailor-made safaris to meet incredible Galapagos wildlife.
We arrive at Prince Philip’s Steps, one of the northernmost points in the Galapagos Islands. The site takes its name from the Prince’s visits in 1965 and 1981. A steep natural staircase of volcanic rock leads us to the top of the island and into the realm of a remarkable bird colony.
This is the home of the red-footed booby. While most visitors to the Galapagos have already encountered the more common blue-footed booby, Genovesa is one of the few islands where the red-footed variety can be observed up close.
Blue feet and red feet: the differences
The most obvious distinction is the feet themselves—bright scarlet red. If blue-footed boobies are the islands’ icons, the red-footed ones are their equally striking counterparts.
There are other differences too. Red-footed boobies display two distinct colour types: a darker, brownish plumage known as the “dark morph,” and a mostly white morph with soft pink and powder-blue bill coloration.
Unlike blue-footed boobies, which nest and rest on the ground, red-footed boobies use their red feet to perch and nest in trees. During the nesting season, visitors to Genovesa may spot them tending twig nests—an elegant species with surprisingly delicate habits.
Wedge-rumped storm-petrels
Further across the island lies a dramatic rocky landscape where wedge-rumped storm-petrels nest in great numbers. These ocean-dwelling seabirds spend much of their lives at sea, returning here to breed. (Also see: Galapagos petrels : a conservation success story)
Owls
Among the rocks hides one of Genovesa’s most unexpected residents, the short-eared owl. Far from its mainland relatives, this adaptable predator has become partly diurnal, hunting storm-petrels during daylight hours. With patience, it’s possible to spot one resting among the lava formations.
Genovesa Finches
Isolation has given rise to unique birdlife on Genovesa. Its Darwin’s finches are now recognised as distinct species: the Genovesa Ground-Finch and the Genovesa Cactus-Finch, both once considered subspecies of their more widespread relatives.
Galapagos Mockingbird
Even the island’s Galapagos mockingbird shows signs of divergence that could eventually lead to classification as a separate species. Evolution in action—proof that there’s never a dull moment in the natural world of the Galapagos.
Genovesa Island
Shaped like a horseshoe, Genovesa Island is the remains of a volcanic cone long since breached by the sea. At its centre lies a stunning crater lake. Snorkelling and coastal navigation here often reveal an abundance of marine life, from schools of fish to occasional sightings of hammerhead and, if you’re very lucky, whale sharks.
Plan Your Galapagos Island Vacation
See our Safari Holidays for suggested itineraries and recommended activities to explore the Galapagos Islands with Galapagos Safari Camp.