Today we started our day anchored at Academy Bay, named for the expedition made by the California Academy of Science in 1905-1906. It is at Santa Cruz Island, located in the central part of the archipelago.
After breakfast we disembarked in Puerto Ayora, the largest town in Galápagos. We headed to the giant tortoises breeding center run by the Galápagos National Park and the Darwin Research Station. There we learned how they breed tortoises in captivity. It is one of the most successful conservation programs in the world, and it includes four different species of these reptiles. At the center we had the chance to see the top reproducer from Española Island, who was brought to the center from the San Diego Zoo, hence his name: Diego. Later on, our guests had some free time to explore the town and do some shopping. Right after that we took buses to have lunch in the highlands. On our way to the Santa Cruz highlands we stopped by a local sugar mill. There we learned how the Cabrera family processes the sugar cane to get molasses, raw sugar, and the very popular sugar cane liquor. They also grow and roast their own Galápagos organic coffee. We got the chance to taste all of these local delicacies.
In the afternoon we took the buses to Narwhal’s restaurant for lunch in a very cozy atmosphere. Later on we visited the giant tortoises territory. Which is a privately owned farm located on the migrating route of these reptiles. In the farm we did interesting hikes around the property were we found a lava tube and many giant tortoises wandering in the area, it was a great experience. Shortly after our visit we headed back to town and back to the National Geographic Islander. Finally we finished our day with a performance by a local band of musicians from town. What a nice way to finish another day in paradise.
