Cerro Dragon
Located on the northwest of Santa Cruz Island, a picturesque location marked the beginning of a day with many adventures to come. After breakfast we headed towards the landing to start our walk. For some, it was to be at a fast pace, and for others a little slower. Everyone was mainly watching for land iguanas, the reptiles that gave this place its name for resembling those mythical creatures of Asian cultures. The search was intense because they hide so well into the dry grasses that have the same color, especially when they lie still under or among them.
We could see some of them, and one came so close that we all got excited and ended up with fantastic photos to add to our magnificent collection of wildlife photography in the Galapagos. These creatures were not the only ones making the place very interesting. Others, like marine iguanas, have evolved a very different way of existence. They go in the ocean for food, and they encountered us at the beginning of the path.
We saw cacti combined with some succulents in many tones. We also saw other plants typical of desert-like environments at this time of year, without leaves. Sharks in the shallows, turtles and swimming marine iguanas watched us leave the place very happy. It was time to go back on board to get ready for our next outing that was going to take place around Guy Fawkes islands for snorkeling. So much life in the walls and the surrounding seas of this island had everybody very excited, wishing to stay as long as possible.
After re-charging our batteries with a delicious Ecuadorian buffet lunch and a siesta, we headed to another small island not too far from here with the name of Eden. It is so tiny that excursions on land are not permitted. Therefore we offered two optional activities, Zodiac rides and kayaking. Both were very enjoyable. The kayak activity in particular goes along the coast of Santa Cruz with amazing little coves and beaches that are feeding and resting places for some animals like turtles and baby sharks. We saw many of them from very close, and we could even take pictures as we paddled along.
To finish a glorious day back on the Endeavour we sailed to another nearby island called Daphne Major, well-known by biologists for being the location of long-term research on the evolution of the so-called Darwin’s finches by Rosemary and Peter Grant. On arrival we circumnavigated it with everybody on the forward deck of the ship to watch sunset and share the great memories of the day.
