Santa Cruz Island

This island has been since the very beginning of colonization an icon for progress and conservation. The first part has to do with the fact that the island is situated in the middle of the archipelago, and logistically it has become the main access route to reach the Galápagos. The second part is basically due to the programs for conservation that have been developed thanks to the involvement of the community of this town and the famous Charles Darwin Research Center (CDRC).

The CDRC facilities are located on the off limits of town, and that is where we spent most of our morning. The giant tortoises and the programs which preserve these emblematic reptiles were our main topic this morning; however, since the facilities are close to perhaps one of the touristiest areas on the planet, we had a lot of competition with the T-shirt shops!

After a nice day observing tortoises at the station and in wildlife, we headed back to the ship to enjoy the local folklore provided by a band of local musicians that entertained us for the rest of the evening. It was a night full of music, dance and wonderful company…