Santa Cruz Island, 3/14/2024, National Geographic Endeavour II
Aboard the
National Geographic Endeavour II
Galápagos
Today we spent a full day on the second largest island of the archipelago, Santa Cruz. We had a great introduction to the natural history and conservation of the Giant tortoises of the Galapagos by visiting the headquarters of the National Park and the Darwin Center and exploring their migratory route in the highlands. It was impactful to see them in their natural environment.
We also had the opportunity to visit the town and farms to learn about the human history of the islands.
Karina López was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador where she received her bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality, a second technical degree as a Professional Guide of Ecuador, and a third diploma in French language at the Alliance Francaise.
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We are back among the center islands of Galapagos, and the day started with a pre-breakfast Zodiac ride where we had the chance to observe the seabirds of the area in action. We enjoyed several excursions throughout the day, always admiring the beauty of this part of the world. We finished this wonderful day with a delicious open-air barbecue on the observation deck under the stars.
The western islands of the Galapagos Archipelago offer a very young, diverse environment, including our first visit of the day at Urbina Bay. In the early nineteen fifties approximately two square kilometers of sea floor were uplifted, in certain areas up to four meters out of the ocean. All that we encountered today was colonized after the fifties, including the Galapagos giant tortoises from the Alcedo Volcano population and the Galapagos land iguanas. It was also interesting walking among new vegetation including a forest of poison apple trees. The afternoon brought us to Tagus Cove at Western Isabela Island. This is a famous anchorage for numerous vessels, including the HMS Beagle with the young Charles Darwin onboard in 1835. We explored along the coast in kayaks, Zodiacs, and by snorkeling, which brought us close to Galapagos penguins, Pacific green sea turtles, and flightless cormorants. As the late afternoon was upon us, we were able to hike to Darwin Lake with an incredible view of the surrounding volcanic terrain, like a place at the beginning of time.
An early morning excursion is always invigorating. The sun rising behind the mountains of Isabela Island blended very well with an ocean as calm as glass and the spouting of an unidentified whale that always managed to conceal its identity behind the waves. The visit to Punta Espinoza was unsurprisingly wonderful. The sea lions, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and Galapagos hawks were there in all their glory. The snorkeling also offered plenty to see. The sunny Zodiac ride at Punta Vicente Roca was also very productive. We enjoyed flightless cormorants, sea turtles, brown noddies, pelicans, and boobies surrounded by a landscape to die for. It was a great day.
