Santa Cruz & North Seymour Islands
Our morning started with a touch of excitement! Just a few minutes after the wake up call, at least half of our guests were already in the lounge tasting some of the delicious snacks that would give us the strength necessary for the first part of our morning. Nobody wanted to be late for what was coming: giant tortoises!
By six thirty in the morning we were already on our way to the highlands of Santa Cruz, enjoying the ever-flourishing green vegetation characteristic of that particular zone.
There were giant trees everywhere, setting the perfect stage for us to start the search of this emblematic reptile. We did not have to wait for too long to see one, since the first tortoise was spotted just a few feet away from the main road. It was a juvenile, none the less it weighed three hundred pounds, approximately. As we continued our way many more appeared in every direction. We finally arrived at our destination, a close by natural fresh water pond where they usually congregate to rest. It was exhilarating to see so many giant creatures roaming freely in the woods, paying almost no attention to our presence, as if we were not even there.
After satisfying our need of pictures of the famous giant tortoises, we headed to a nearby lava tunnel formed probably when the island itself was being born from the fire. We crossed part of it in an attempt to understand the power and intensity that the river of lava had when traveling through this tunnel.
The afternoon was not any less exciting! North Seymour Island is known by its constant prosperous wildlife formed mainly by sea birds, however, mammals and reptiles had come together in this tiny island as well to create a real paradise.
As we strolled along the path we noticed that frigate birds were the most abundant. Both species, magnificent and great frigate birds were sharing the incipient green vegetation. As the sun went down, most of the parents were returning to their nest, trying desperately to supply the food obtained during the day to the youngsters. Finally the sunset and a cocktail, a perfect setting for a perfect day!
Our morning started with a touch of excitement! Just a few minutes after the wake up call, at least half of our guests were already in the lounge tasting some of the delicious snacks that would give us the strength necessary for the first part of our morning. Nobody wanted to be late for what was coming: giant tortoises!
By six thirty in the morning we were already on our way to the highlands of Santa Cruz, enjoying the ever-flourishing green vegetation characteristic of that particular zone.
There were giant trees everywhere, setting the perfect stage for us to start the search of this emblematic reptile. We did not have to wait for too long to see one, since the first tortoise was spotted just a few feet away from the main road. It was a juvenile, none the less it weighed three hundred pounds, approximately. As we continued our way many more appeared in every direction. We finally arrived at our destination, a close by natural fresh water pond where they usually congregate to rest. It was exhilarating to see so many giant creatures roaming freely in the woods, paying almost no attention to our presence, as if we were not even there.
After satisfying our need of pictures of the famous giant tortoises, we headed to a nearby lava tunnel formed probably when the island itself was being born from the fire. We crossed part of it in an attempt to understand the power and intensity that the river of lava had when traveling through this tunnel.
The afternoon was not any less exciting! North Seymour Island is known by its constant prosperous wildlife formed mainly by sea birds, however, mammals and reptiles had come together in this tiny island as well to create a real paradise.
As we strolled along the path we noticed that frigate birds were the most abundant. Both species, magnificent and great frigate birds were sharing the incipient green vegetation. As the sun went down, most of the parents were returning to their nest, trying desperately to supply the food obtained during the day to the youngsters. Finally the sunset and a cocktail, a perfect setting for a perfect day!
