Santa Cruz Island, located right in the center of the volcanic Galapagos Archipelago, has been a highlight of this expedition. After having the opportunity to interact with the “locals” (humans and giant tortoises) in Puerto Ayora and in the highlands, the National Geographic Endeavour has sailed overnight around the island, towards the northern shores of Santa Cruz.
As the first light broke out this morning, our ship was already anchored in the calm waters just offshore of Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill).
We set out for an early morning hike through a landscape where brackish water lagoons and lush, salt-resistant vegetation gave way to a dry, deciduous forest of Palo Santo trees, or incense trees, and Opuntia, which is prickly pear cactus).
Our pre-breakfast effort was well worth it, as we spotted various species of sea birds, from ruddy turnstones to American flamingoes, and a few Galapagos land iguanas on the inland trail, as they were just about to start their morning foraging.
After a well-deserved breakfast, we explored the waters of the surrounding areas, either from the beach or while deep water snorkeling at nearby formations, known as the Guy Fawkes’ Islets. Thanks to a visibility of almost thirty feet, it was easy to spot large schools of creole fish and razor surgeon fish. With a backdrop of tuff lava vibrating with life and various species of black coral that disappeared in the depth, there were various reported sightings of green sea turtles and even a lonesome Galapagos penguin that calls this isolated islet its home.
After our full morning, we enjoyed a typical Ecuadorian lunch that was explained in great detail by our hotel manager Roberto and his crew of waiters, all wearing their Panama hats! We then explored the narrow channel that separates Santa Cruz Island from nearby Eden Islet, as our younger explorers took an opportunity for practical introductory Zodiac driving lessons.
We finished our afternoon with a tasting of regional wines on the forward deck of the National Geographic Endeavour, as Captain Fausto skillfully maneuvered our ship around Daphne Major Islet.
As last light announced the end of yet another incredible day in the Galapagos, some lucky folks where “greeted” by a passing Bryde’s Whale, less than half a ship’s length away, just before we made our way into the lounge to hear about the adventures that await us tomorrow.
