With a clear sky we anchored at Santa Cruz Island. It has the largest population of the Galapagos with close to 30.000 people, that’s about fifty percent of the total population of the islands. It also holds the main headquarters of the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station. During the morning we visited the breeding center for the Giant tortoises next to the Darwin Station. There we learned a little more about the process these animals go through to avoid extinction. Their numbers decreased drastically since the 17th century when people discovered they can survive months or years without food or water; that turned them into a very convenient source of meat onboard sailing vessels. We found the Giants alone and in groups, and observed all kinds of tortoise behavior in captivity, including mating.
Afterwards we had some time to enjoy on our own and the opportunity to experience the lifestyle of the townspeople. Before lunch we were introduced to some traditional products made on the islands in a traditional way at “El Trapiche”, a sugar cane farm. Then we went to a local restaurant up in the highlands, and later we continued our tortoise exploration with a walk on a property located in the middle of the wild giant tortoises’ migration route.
Back on board, and after a great dinner, musicians came aboard to entertain us with dancers and Galapagos local music. Today was a great day in paradise!
