Santa Cruz Island
We started our day anchored at the northwest corner of Santa Cruz Island, near the Guy Fawkes islets. After breakfast we began with a visit to Cerro Dagon (Dragon Hill). The day was radiant; after disembarking we walked by the small brackish lagoon located in the area. In the lagoon we spotted several pintail ducks feeding on small organisms that live in this high-salinity environment, such as algae and brine shrimp.
Weather conditions were nice, not too hot, so we had fun. Further along the trail we spotted several land iguanas walking through the dense vegetation—our “Galápagos’ Dragons” which gave the name to this site. Males where displaying their bright yellow breeding coloration, giving us excellent photo opportunities. After a pleasant hike we returned to the National Geographic Endeavour to continue with our morning activities.
After warming ourselves up with the increasing temperature we were ready to get in the water. Some of us went out snorkeling and others went to the beach to enjoy the warm waters typical of this season. The snorkeling was along the coast of one of the Guy Fawkes islets. Conditions were slightly rough, ideal for attracting abundant marine wildlife. We spotted cow-nose golden rays, white-tipped reef sharks, many species of colorful fish and a couple of playful sea lions. It was a great morning.
In the afternoon, we dropped anchor at “El Eden,” a small islet close by Santa Cruz Island. The first activity began with our guests kayaking along the shore, while another group enjoyed the peace of this tranquil place on a Zodiac ride. On the shore, we observed a Sally Lightfoot crab feeding on another, a behavior rarely seen. In the water, sea turtles showed their heads and sea lions swam along the shallows among many species of fish. After these activities we headed back to the National Geographic Endeavour.
Back on board we started our circumnavigation of Daphne Major Islet. This islet is the natural laboratory for a couple of scientists, Peter and Rosemary Grant, who have been working for over 30 years studying the Darwin’s finches. Everyone enjoyed the impressive landscape of the islet, as well as the fascinating discoveries about how natural selection takes place within generations, while evolution takes place across generations…
What a great way to finish our day!
