We had an amazing day on Santa Cruz Island. We started the morning with a stretching class led by our wellness specialist, Diana. After breakfast, we went to the giant tortoise breeding center, and we learned about conservation efforts to preserve the islands. We visited the fish market before we went to El Trapiche Ecologico, an old-fashioned farm that is reminiscent of the first farms on the islands. We learned about the processes for making coffee, chocolate, and sugar. We continued our adventure at Manzanillo Ranch, where we walked amongst the giants of the Galapagos. We observed dozens of tortoises. We had plenty of fun today, and we cannot wait for another magical experience in the archipelago.
3/27/2024
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Santiago Island
We are having fun exploring the Galapagos Islands. Today we arrived at the center of the archipelago to explore two magical visitor sites, Buccaneer Cove and Puerto Egas. Early in the morning we explored the shoreline in our Zodiacs and we saw many marine turtles mating and blue-footed boobies diving or resting on the rocks. We also saw frigates, pelicans, terns, and more. After breakfast some of our guests went kayaking for a closer encounter with nature. The snorkeling was also spectacular. We saw three different types of sharks, including a hammerhead. We found a school of eagle rays, a wide variety of multicolor reef fish, and a zebra moray. In the afternoon we explored the coastal line of Puerto Egas. This destination is full of wildlife and along our walk we saw red neck lava lizards, finches, land iguanas, mockingbirds, and hawks. At the intertidal zone we found sea lions, and many migratory birds such as plovers, whimbrels, and ruddy turnstones. We had an amazing day!