Santa Cruz is an island that, due to its location within the Galapagos archipelago – as well as its topography – can be divided in two: its southern half is green, lush and humid, whilst the northern one is dry and leafless. Cerro Dragon, our morning stop, lies in the northern arid zone and is home to the remaining population of endemic land iguanas (they have been threatened by introduced species like rats, cats and feral dogs).
This coast is quite colorful with its many inlets and secluded bays where many marine species seek shelter, like the Pacific green sea turtles and juvenile reef sharks. It is also the hunting ground of blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigates and brown pelicans.
