Dragon Hill & Chinese Hat
Santa Cruz Island is the second largest island in the archipelago; it has the largest human population and therefore is the economic capital of the Galápagos. This island is home to the Galápagos National Park Service, the institution in charge of conservation work throughout the entire archipelago. The restoration of entire populations of endemic organisms at the brink of extinction is reflected in the vast numbers of birds, iguanas, tortoises, and more found at the different visitors’ sites.
Our daily activities started on the northern side of Santa Cruz, as we went for a walk along a rocky trail typical to the Galápagos Islands. As we moved along this vast area of national park, we saw a lot of Darwin’s finches searching for seeds among the dry grasses and deciduous Palo Santo trees (Bursera graveolens). Shortly afterwards, we encountered a large male land iguana near the path resting on a patch of dust and grass, remnants of the short rainy season that produced a ephemeral splash of green in this otherwise dormant forest. Dragon Hill is not only an iguana colony, but it is a landscape with an amazing view of the ancient volcanoes that shaped the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the emblematic giant tortoises. From this place you also have a dramatic view of the neighboring islands and islets, each one with its own appearance and geological history.
Our destination for the afternoon was Chinese Hat and the Bainbridge Islets, in the neighborhood of Santiago Island.
As soon as we reached Chinese Hat we deployed the Zodiacs towards the different sites for the activities planned for the afternoon, such as kayaking, snorkeling and strolling on the beach. The sun was shining, clear water for the snorkelers, myriads of colorful reef fish of all sizes and what a treat! Marine iguanas in the water, the majestic Galápagos penguin perching on the rocks above the tide line for a last preening before going into their nesting caves and a white sandy beach with sea lions were the perfect ingredients for a magical afternoon.
Just another day in paradise, just amazing!
Santa Cruz Island is the second largest island in the archipelago; it has the largest human population and therefore is the economic capital of the Galápagos. This island is home to the Galápagos National Park Service, the institution in charge of conservation work throughout the entire archipelago. The restoration of entire populations of endemic organisms at the brink of extinction is reflected in the vast numbers of birds, iguanas, tortoises, and more found at the different visitors’ sites.
Our daily activities started on the northern side of Santa Cruz, as we went for a walk along a rocky trail typical to the Galápagos Islands. As we moved along this vast area of national park, we saw a lot of Darwin’s finches searching for seeds among the dry grasses and deciduous Palo Santo trees (Bursera graveolens). Shortly afterwards, we encountered a large male land iguana near the path resting on a patch of dust and grass, remnants of the short rainy season that produced a ephemeral splash of green in this otherwise dormant forest. Dragon Hill is not only an iguana colony, but it is a landscape with an amazing view of the ancient volcanoes that shaped the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the emblematic giant tortoises. From this place you also have a dramatic view of the neighboring islands and islets, each one with its own appearance and geological history.
Our destination for the afternoon was Chinese Hat and the Bainbridge Islets, in the neighborhood of Santiago Island.
As soon as we reached Chinese Hat we deployed the Zodiacs towards the different sites for the activities planned for the afternoon, such as kayaking, snorkeling and strolling on the beach. The sun was shining, clear water for the snorkelers, myriads of colorful reef fish of all sizes and what a treat! Marine iguanas in the water, the majestic Galápagos penguin perching on the rocks above the tide line for a last preening before going into their nesting caves and a white sandy beach with sea lions were the perfect ingredients for a magical afternoon.
Just another day in paradise, just amazing!
