Dragon Hill and Chinese Hat
Santa Cruz Island, the second largest island in the archipelago, is home to the Galápagos land iguanas. Once, this species covered the dry areas of many islands, there were thousands of them, but after the introduction of several invasive species they almost became extinct. Today, we went to Dragon Hill, an area where the iguana population has been restored to healthy numbers.
The trail started from a beach where you could see the impressive tuff cone named “Cerro Dragon” or Dragon Hill, we crossed the littoral zone of vegetation to start walking through the arid, or dry, zone. Most of the vegetation here is dormant right now, as we are in the dry season. The leaves had fallen, leaving naked gray trees that make the scenery look very dramatic. Prickly pear cactus gives some color to the landscape; they also help the land iguanas survive during the dryness. We found several signs of the presence of the iguanas: tail and claw trails, excrement, burrows, some chewed cactus pads, and finally the iguanas themselves. Some other remarkable sightings were the dark billed cuckoo and a giant crab spider.
Snorkeling was the highlight of the day, we went twice! First around Guy Fawkes Islet, where the most outstanding wall is covered by all different species of invertebrates such as corals and sponges, and later close to a parasitic cone named Chinese Hat where many species like sharks, rays and huge schools of fish were observed.
Kayaking and relaxing on the beach were options for the afternoon as well.
We had a day full of activities. Now back on board we are so happy to think that we made the most of every available moment! Of course we are in the Galápagos Islands, no time to lose!
