Santiago Island
Santiago Island is very meaningful to Galápagos. There have been many different conservation projects implemented on this island since the Galápagos National park and the Charles Darwin Research Station started working together. Santiago Island has been since at the beginning of the top list of the restoration efforts.
This morning we disembarked at Espumilla Beach, to explore the inner part of Santiago Island and witness firsthand the great success of the restoration projects that are taking place on the island. Along the landing beach we saw many turtle shells everywhere, proving that this is a very important nesting ground for the Pacific green sea turtles. After breakfast, our adventure continued as we sailed for about an hour to Buccaneer Cove. In previous centuries this bay was a historical shelter was used for repairing ships and collecting tortoises as a source of food. These seafarers left behind introduced animals like goats and rats. At Buccaneer Cove there were many activities to choose from, we went kayaking, snorkeling and Zodiac riding as well. All our guests were very happy with the successful morning we had at historical place.
Being in the Galápagos is probably the best place to talk about the most famous visitor to the Galápagos archipelago: Charles Darwin. After lunch and a short nap, before continuing with our afternoon activities, we had a talk in the main lounge about Charles Darwin with our Expedition Leader Carlos Romero.
In the afternoon we found ourselves anchored in a different historical place. This time the location was Puerto Egas on the same Island. We offered two activities, staying at the volcanic black beach formation for relaxing and snorkeling, or hiking to explore the coastline and observe tidal pools. In fact, it was a difficult decision because both options are great. At the end both groups were very happy because both activities were highly successful. Hikers spotted many migratory shore birds, spectacular landscapes and the second species of Pinnipeds we have here in the archipelago: the Galápagos fur seals.
Snorkelers saw many fish species like Pelican barracudas, Rainbow runners, Galápagos sea lions, Blue-footed boobies and Pelicans feeding in the area. The highlight of the day was the unusual sighting of a Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) during our afternoon snorkeling. This turtle species is considered very rare in the Galápagos waters and can be easily overseen or confused with another more common species the Pacific green sea turtle.
This was a great day from sunrise to sunset. We are all looking forward to more adventures on our expedition tomorrow.
