Santiago Island is very special to
Lindblad Expeditions. In the past, it was overrun by many invasive species such
as goats, pigs, donkeys, and many others. We are proud to have contributed to
the conservation and restoration of the island’s ecosystem, and today’s results
are amazing! None of these invasive species are found, and the island is once again
a paradise for giant tortoises.
In the late morning after breakfast,
we explored Buccaneer’s Cove. Here, we went kayaking and deep water snorkeling.
This was an opportunity to get to know more about the human aspect and history
of the Galapagos. This place was frequented by pirates, whale hunters, seal
hunters and Charles Darwin on board the HMS. Beagle in 1835!
In the afternoon, we landed at
Puerto Egas and had a couple of exploration options. Option 1 was a hike along
the shore of Santiago Island which is amazing due to the presence of animals
like sea lions, crabs, iguanas and seabirds. Option 2 was spending the
afternoon relaxing and snorkeling in the shallow reefs. One can find the ruins
of a human settlement left by salt miners that inhabited this bay back in the
1950s. Today, Santiago is entirely protected and managed by the Galapagos
National Park Service.
As we walked, we enjoyed all the amazing landscape and unique sightings that were once observed by the most famous of all naturalists, Charles Darwin during his 1835 visit aboard the HMS Beagle.
