Galapagos visitor sites - Darwin Bay

Darwin Bay was created when the island's large crater collapsed below sea level. Landing on the white coral beach in the middle of the bay requires a wet landing. Once ashore the number of birds seems overwhelming, Masked Boobies soar overhead; Great Frigatebirds display their pouches while resting on the nearby rocks and plants, Mockingbirds scamper quickly across the sand. It's easy to see why Darwin Bay is a favorite of birders.

Beyond the beach a series of tide pools carved out of black volcanic rock offer Wandering Tattlers, Lava Gulls, Whimbrels and Turnstones a place to fish. Yellow-Crowned, Black-Crowned and Lava Herons and White and Yellow Warblers have also been seen in the area.

The trail follows the coast through the Salt Bush and Mangrove nesting area of the Great Frigatebirds and Red-Footed Boobies. Unlike the Masked and Blue-Footed Boobies who nest on the ground, the Red-Footed Boobies can be seen nesting in trees between September and July. Boobies and Frigatebirds share an adversarial relationship. They nest in the same areas. Boobies frequently destroy the Frigatebird nests, while Frigatebirds feed on Booby eggs.

Continuing on the trail, visitors climb gradually to the edge of the cliff seeing Red-Foots nesting in the Mangrove trees below. Bird watching from the trail includes sightings of Sharp-Beaked Finches, Large Cactus Finches, Large Ground Finches, Galapagos Doves and Swallow-Tailed Gulls. Reaching the end the trail at the cliff's edge offers an incredible view of the island and the many birds living there.