Santa Cruz Island
Today was a change of pace as we left the secluded trails of islands we’ve visited up to this point and visited civilization for a brief time. Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, our first destination. There we learned about the breeding programs that have taken place there, particularly with the giant tortoise. In addition to hearing about these efforts, we were able to see some of the results, such as juvenile tortoises being raised in a protected area until they are old enough to be repopulated to their home island with less threat from predators. We were also able to spend time, up close and personal, with a few of the male tortoises in captivity.
After a brief time strolling the streets and visiting shops in Puerto Ayora, we traveled to a lush oasis in the highlands for time to relax next to a pool and another fabulous lunch. Two barn owls in the poolside changing rooms were a surprise for us to see. The cool breeze blowing through the open air dining area was a welcome addition to the warm and humid day.
Soon we were on the move again. Some of us opted to return to Puerto Ayora to enjoy the sites of the town and the views from the National Geographic Endeavour. Others donned rubber boots and headed to search for wild giant tortoises on part of their migration path. We walked through high grasses and among large cedar trees looking for tortoises. A large female was feeding on grasses and allowed us to come close enough to take some great photographs and get a closer look at her as she ate. Another tortoise rested in a mud pond, a behavior that helps to rid them of parasites. This one, too, allowed us to approach closely; it was fantastic to see these animals in their natural habitat. Other stops along the away included a lava tube just under the ground’s surface and pit craters, serving as two more examples of the geological activity that has taken place in Galápagos.
After dinner, local dancers and musicians performed, providing us with entertainment and a glimpse of local culture, not to mention a perfect ending to another beautiful day in the islands.
