From the National Geographic Endeavour in Galápagos, 7/1/2009, National Geographic Endeavour

Santa Cruz Island

As the time goes by, here at the most populated Island of the Galápagos we had a very good experience. The protected areas of the National Park have shown to us all what they have done in the last 50 years with the people’s effort and the magnificent preservation work for the next generation.

This was the reason why we disembarked in the morning at the beautiful town of Puerto Ayora after a good breakfast; our young explorers were almost the first to move ahead of the other groups, showing a magnificent interest in nature like experienced explorers usually do.

Many of the land tortoises at the Charles Darwin Center were fed today. This is one of the reasons why we saw many. Even our famous one from Pinta Island was here to enjoy the fresh water at his pool. Lonesome George lives at this place and is the last remaining of his species.

The harbor provides a home for nearly 15,000 persons, approximate half of the population in the entire archipelago.

It was 10:45 and a few of our guests went to the meeting point, a bus station, for a short bus ride to the highlands. At a comfortable restaurant located in a lovely forest, lunch was served.

After two hours, our guests were ready to move to the next place. The twins, or Gemelos, are a geological formation surrounded by a Scalesia forest, home to many birds that can be found only at this place. Just after this short walk, the following visit was even more amazing. The tortoises we saw in the morning were wonderful, but the ones we found by ourselves in the wild were a unique experience; and we had many to see, so a great effort was not required.

The farm we saw is owned by a very nice person named Steve Divine who has this property as heritage of the family that settled here about 40 years ago. Now he dedicates part of his time to take care of his land, used by the tortoises.

After all our activities, we were happy to enjoy the rest of the evening with our famous local group of musicians. They were excellent, giving us a demonstration of the permanent folklore.