Following another delicious breakfast, we embarked our Zodiacs and travelled to Santa Cruz Island, the second largest island in the archipelago. Our first stop was the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) run by the Galápagos National Park. At the CDRS, the naturalists guided the guests on a thorough tour of conservation and rehabilitation projects surrounding the giant tortoises. There were once 14 different tortoise species in the Galápagos, but due to human activities such as hunting, invasive species and pets, there are now only 10 species of giant tortoise. The guests were able to see different species of tortoises and recognize the subtle differences between species, for example, the difference between saddleback and domed shaped shells.
Following the tour, guests enjoyed walking through the town of Puerto Ayora. Santa Cruz Island is home to 20,000 “galapagueños” (residents of the islands) and many of them live in Puerto Ayora, which has active tourism and fishing industries. Guests experienced local flavor by walking through the bustling streets, stopping in shops and cafes and visiting the local fish market. This was a highlight for many who enjoyed watching not only the local sellers, but the pelicans and sea lions who eagerly wait for scraps and help manage waste.
After exploring the town on foot, the guests split into two separate groups to explore more aspects of the island. One group toured “El Trapiche” where guests were able to learn and experience different aspects of sugar cane production. Another group visited the Tomas de Berlanga School, a private school located in the lush, forested highlands. Students and teachers guided the guests on individual tours of the school, providing a glimpse of a typical day for students who live in this unique location.
The evening was speckled with activities. Speakers from the Charles Darwin Foundation visited the National Geographic Endevour to discuss the threat Darwin’s Finches face from the invasive Bot fly, Philornis downsi. To cap off the evening, Ecuadorian musicians and dancers serenaded us over dinner and provided some post dinner music and dance featuring costumes from all 4 regions of Ecuador.
