Santa Cruz Island, 8/29/2024, National Geographic Endeavour II
Aboard the
National Geographic Endeavour II
Galápagos
Our day began with a walk around the Charles Darwin Foundation and Breeding Center of giant tortoises. Later, we enjoyed some time exploring around town, followed by a cloudy walk in the highlands. Here, we had the chance to spot many giant tortoises roaming around and eating on the vegetation in the area.
At the end of the day, we experienced a different ecosystem, enjoying the marine environment of the Galapagos.
Bernardo, known by his friends and family as Bernie, was born In the Andean city of Quito, located in the highlands of Ecuador. His grandfather, however, moved to the Galapagos Islands in the mid-70s, and worked as one of the first Naturalist Guides,...
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Today was the last full day of our amazing expedition around the Galapagos archipelago. We finally got to observe beautiful red-footed boobies as we explored picturesque San Cristobal Island. The natural erosion of Punta Pitt has turned it into a very dramatic landscape. Snorkeling was an extra special experience since we had the chance to swim with graceful and playful Galapagos sea lions as well as an array of fish. What could be left to experience? None other than one of the most beautiful beaches of the Galapagos. With fine white sand in contrast to turquoise waters and the blue sky, Cerro Brujo is just astonishing. What an expedition we had on board National Geographic Endeavour II with so many moments that we will all remember.
Today we had the opportunity to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park facilities. Today is giant tortoise day! Early in the morning we visited the baby-giants which are part of a program to breed and protect the world-famous giant tortoises. Following, we explored the Highlands with a visit to a hydroponic farm and a sugarcane farm, then we had a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. In the Highlands, we walked among the tortoises. These huge reptiles were roaming freely as they grazed on grass and a variety of plants. Soon after our visit, we returned to Puerto Ayora and had a chance to explore the town and enjoy shopping for local handicrafts. Back on board National Geographic Endeavour II , we danced to music performed by a local folk band after our delicious dinner and nightly briefing. It was a full day of enjoying face-to-face time with Galapagos giant tortoises and visiting a new town.
Each day on this journey brings us to a drastically different island environment and Santiago is no exception. Buccaneer Cove, a historically significant area for past visitors, including Charles Darwin, allows for incredible exploration of the coastal area in kayaks as we start our day. Since it is a newer island in the archipelago, the volcanic landscape is prominent. Exploration of the undersea environment brings us numerous species of colorful reef fish and sea lions. Puerto Egas in the afternoon allows a hike along the coast, seeing remnants of a human population that lived here up until the early 1960’s. Galapagos fur seals lounge along the coast as numerous ruddy turnstones, semipalmated plovers, and American oystercatchers roam the coast in the late afternoon for their daily sustenance.
