We spent the day exploring the island of Santa Cruz. One of the four inhabited islands in Galapagos, Santa Cruz has the largest human population and is considered the economic hub of the province. We spent the first part of the morning visiting the tortoise breeding center at the Galapagos National Park. Here we learned about the ongoing efforts to protect species of giant tortoises from extinction. We also visited a beautiful farm and learned about the ways local farmers process their products using artisanal techniques. We had lunch at a beautiful ranch, where we also enjoyed a walk to observe giant tortoises. We learned about the behavioral ecology of these magnificent creatures and spent quite some time taking photos. We ended the day with a visit from some local artists; they came on board the ship to share their wonderful creations that are inspired by these islands.