Guests onboard National Geographic Endeavour II spent the day exploring northern Santa Cruz Island and Guy Fawkes Islet. Photographers woke early to catch the morning light of Dragon Hill. We hiked through a dry forest of incense trees, prickly pear cacti, and spiny bushes in search of the Galapagos land iguana. We found a pair of land iguanas, male and female, seeking shade under a spiny bush, and discussed behavioral ecology, evolutionary history, and conservation status of these unique creatures. After the introduction of feral dogs to this area several decades ago, the Galapagos National Park Service launched a captive breeding and relocation program that brought this species back to healthy populations. We also observed some unique vegetation and discussed the adaptations that plants have evolved in the dry lowlands of the Galapagos Islands.
In the afternoon, we posted up at various points on the ship to search for marine life. We spotted a few Bryde’s whales and observed the way in which they use bubbles to corral their food. After which, guests enjoyed a wine tasting celebration on the sky deck while circumnavigating Daphne Major islet. After dinner, we enjoyed stargazing with one of our naturalists on the skydeck.
