Santa Cruz Island, 5/26/2022, National Geographic Endeavour II
Aboard the
National Geographic Endeavour II
Galápagos
Guests onboard National Geographic Endeavour II spent the day exploring Santa Cruz Island. We visited the Charles Darwin Research Station and the captive breeding center followed by the Trapiche Farm in the highlands. Finally, guests observed and photographed Santa Cruz giant tortoises at Manzanillo Ranch.
Sebastian was born in the enchanted land of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, and has spent his life between the two opposite environments of a large, bustling city and a remote island paradise.
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Visiting Santa Cruz is always a key part of this expedition. During the morning walk through Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation, we enjoyed and learned all about the work these two institutions have done to help preserve such an important site. We spent the afternoon surrounded by farms and tortoises, which inspired us to be in contact with nature and to appreciate the benefits we get from it. Giant tortoises are the highlight of this island, and they never disappoint us!
Today we had an optional early wet landing at Cormorant Point’s visitor site to search for flamingoes and turtles. We also had a fun opportunity to see a few sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs and many birds. We returned on board for breakfast as we repositioned to our snorkeling site. Today’s underwater wildlife was surreal. Sea lions, a variety of fish species in a range of colors, turtles, sharks, rays, and more. We are currently experiencing the changing seasons, and the sea life is mating because warmer water more quickly incubates the eggs into embryos. We were back on board for lunch as we repositioned again heading to the world-famous Post-Office Bay. We exchanged post cards left from prior visitors hoping to have them hand-delivered, just like the ones our guests are leaving behind today. Some of us opted for kayaking, snorkeling, or a pleasant walk at the beach. This evening, we enjoyed the recap and briefing about our next destination. We are now deeply united with this magical feeling of coexistence and respect for one another inspired by this special place, the Galapagos Islands.
With a very relaxing morning at Gardner Bay, our day began. We enjoyed beach time with sunshine, amazing views, and a massive colony of sea lions. Later at Punta Suarez, we went for a great hike with a bunch of marine birds, including a colony of the amazing Nazca boobies. We took in the scenery of the beautifully uncommon landscape of the eroded, mature island of Española, with its pronounced cliffs and crashing waves.
