Santa Cruz Island , 12/22/2022, National Geographic Endeavour II
Aboard the
National Geographic Endeavour II
Galápagos
Visiting Santa Cruz Island is a very different experience from visiting the rest of the islands. Here we get the chance to immerse ourselves in the culture of the islands and, of course, see the most iconic animal in the Galapagos, the giant tortoises.
Anahí grew up in a small house by the beach in the Galápagos Islands. Along with her best friend, she used to wander during the days around mangrove trees, becoming a different animal every day. She used to camp on solitary beaches, snorkel with shar...
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Puerto Ayora and Santa Cruz Island were a surprise for many as we encountered the human aspect of the Galapagos Archipelago. This being the second largest island, it was also the last to be colonized by humans and it has a unique aspect of interaction among the species found here. A visit to the Charles Darwin Station, with its giant tortoises reared in captivity, showed us the role of conservation efforts and how they’ve been able to recuperate populations. This represents a model where protection and restoration have a very positive effect. Heading to the highlands, all are able to interact with the local residents, learning about an integrated educational system in a school in the middle of nature. Local families farming higher on Santa Cruz allowed us insight into the aspect of local production of food in a responsible way. The afternoon brought us back to interact with the giant tortoises, surrounding us at every turn as they move along their yearly migratory route.
This large island has stunning landscapes as well as interesting wildlife, both beneath the waves as well as on land. Several marine species live here which we enjoyed by using our many tools of exploration, including kayaks, paddle boards, glass bottom boat, and snorkeling gear. Before locals and tourists, the island was visited by pirates, whalers, and naturalists like the famous Charles Darwin who overall spent five weeks in the Galapagos aboard the HMS Beagle . Beautiful volcanic landscapes are visible from different angles, some young and sterile bordering older parts already colonized by plants and animals. This creates a captivating contrast. A great day of exploration came to an end accompanied by a gorgeous sunset.
We were in the center of Isabela Island, and it was a very clear day, allowing us to admire the shapes of all the volcanoes from the coast of Urbina Bay. During the morning walk we saw many male giant tortoises resting in the same area where some good-looking land iguanas were enjoying the first rays of the morning sun. Ecuadorian lunch was a treat, and we arrived at Tagus Cove in the afternoon. The water activities were exceptional, as they took place on this gorgeous sunny day. Walking up to Darwin’s Lake together and Zodiac rides before sunset, assured this was a great day of adventures on the big Island of Isabela.