Our day started with a very early morning walk on Santa Fe Island. Loads of sea lions and a bunch of iguanas showed up to welcome us to this island with very rocky ecosystems. After breakfast, we snorkeled with a few more fish species and sea lion pups before we enjoyed a lovely lunch. In the afternoon, we visited Cerro Brujo on San Cristobal Island, which gave us the chance to hang out with the last sea lions of our trip.
11/7/2024
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Santa Cruz Island
Puerto Ayora and Santa Cruz Island were a surprise for many as we encountered the human aspect of the Galapagos Archipelago. This being the second largest island, it was also the last to be colonized by humans and it has a unique aspect of interaction among the species found here. A visit to the Charles Darwin Station, with its giant tortoises reared in captivity, showed us the role of conservation efforts and how they’ve been able to recuperate populations. This represents a model where protection and restoration have a very positive effect. Heading to the highlands, all are able to interact with the local residents, learning about an integrated educational system in a school in the middle of nature. Local families farming higher on Santa Cruz allowed us insight into the aspect of local production of food in a responsible way. The afternoon brought us back to interact with the giant tortoises, surrounding us at every turn as they move along their yearly migratory route.