Santa Cruz Island
Cerro Dragon is an area located in the north-western side of Santa Cruz Island and is home to many endemic species. There is also a salt-water lagoon where one finds shore birds such as black-necked stilts. This area is hard evidence of the successful restoration efforts that have been taking place in the national park at the southern side of Santa Cruz, in the town of Puerto Ayora.
By the mid 70’s, Dragon Hill was completely overrun by destructive animals, such as cats and dogs, brought to Galápagos by humans. The natural population of land iguanas was devastated. Fortunately, when the problem was detected, efforts to eradicate the cats and dogs from the region was developed and successfully achieved. Today the population of cats and dogs in the area has dropped. The recovery of land iguanas has taken many years, but the efforts of the people who dedicated their time were rewarded by their ability to achieve this animal’s repopulation. Now the iguanas are all over. Today we counted 29 in total, which is a very good number for what sometimes could only be about 10 maximum.
Snorkeling around the Guy Fawkes submarine volcano was wonderful. Some of our guests spotted white tip reef sharks as well as sea lions. The afternoon Zodiac ride was incredible for children and parents alike. On our way back to the National Geographic Endeavour a school of 10 bottled nose dolphins could be seen in the distance.
It was another busy and a spectacular day of our Galápagos cruise.
