Santa Cruz Island
Today we started our day anchored at Academy Bay, located at the southern end of Santa Cruz Island. Early in the morning we disembarked at the Galápagos National Park dock, where we spotted several fiberglass speedboats that serve to patrol the Galápagos Marine Reserve, which happens to be the third largest in the world.
After a short walk we got to the Giant Tortoises Breeding Center, where we learned about how the Darwin Research Station scientists and the park rangers breed these emblematic chelonians in captivity. And we also met one of the most famous giant tortoises on the planet – Diego, the most successful reproducer from Espanola Island. Right after our morning visit we had a little free time to wander around Puerto Ayora and do some shopping to support the local economy of the islands.
On our way to the Santa Cruz’s highlands we stopped by a locally own sugar mill. There we learned how the Cabrera’s family processes the sugar cane to get molasses, raw sugar and the very popular sugar cane firewater. They also grow and roast their own Galápagos organic coffee. We got the chance to taste all of these local delicacies. Followed by our next stop to Miguel Angel Arias’s Farm where after crossing lava tunnel we ended in a beautiful restaurant located on the highland of Santa Cruz.
After lunch we went to the giant tortoise territory, where we spotted several giant tortoises walking freely around the farms located in the highlands; creating great opportunities to take great pictures of these reptiles.
At the end of the afternoon we headed back to town for a last minute shopping or to move back to the National Geographic Islander, we were happy and loaded with tons of beautiful memories. What a great way to end another day in paradise.
