Santa Cruz Island

Our group had already experienced firsthand the intensity of the islands. So today everybody was hoping for something outstanding to add to their experiences! That is the challenge the island of Santa Cruz posed for us.

The trail we took to the tortoise corrals was warm and exuberant. Once there, we found lonesome George placidly enjoying his little pond. All of the sudden we noticed that two female tortoises had followed in our group’s footsteps. One came walking in pursuit of the other, and both almost crashed into George.

George took the control and the pursuer retracted her steps in defeat while the lead tortoise became the subject of George’s attention. We chronicled the whole thing but soon moved on….no need to behave like a Peeping Tom.

The afternoon was fulfilling because we were able to see the elusive vermillion flycatcher hunting for bugs in front of us. Earlier we enjoyed the company of three tortoises moving free through the vegetation of the Tortoise reserve on Santa Cruz. A little pond provides the reptiles with a place to cool down and small stock of food with the abundant duck weed that grows in the water.

After a nice display, the tortoises decided it was time to leave us behind, and they rushed out into the forest where they will spend the night.

We delayed embarking National Geographic Islander for a bit so guests had the opportunity to visit of shops run by Galápagos locals in Puerto Ayora.

The navigation overnight promises excitement and the company of the stars. We’ll see the swallow tailed gulls on the way, and tomorrow we’ll seek out more natural wonders in these evolving islands.