Today we started our day anchored at Academy Bay, located at the southern end of Santa Cruz Island. Early in the morning we disembarked at the Galápagos National Park dock, where we spotted several fiberglass speedboats that serve to patrol the Galápagos Marine Reserve, which happens to be the third largest in the world.
After a short walk we got to the giant tortoise breeding center, where we learned about how the Charles Darwin Research Station scientists and the park rangers breed these emblematic chelonians in captivity. And we also learned about the two most famous giant tortoises on the planet. On one hand you have the last specimen of it species from Pinta Island, Lonesome George, who passed away last year. And on the other hand there is the most successful reproducer, Diego, from Espanola Island,. Right after our morning visit we had a little free time to wander around Puerto Ayora and do some shopping to support the local economy of the islands.
On our way to the Santa Cruz Highlands we stopped by a locally-owned sugar mill. There we learned how the Cabrera family processes sugar cane to get molasses, raw sugar, and the very popular sugar cane firewater. They also grow and roast their own Galápagos organic coffee, and we got the chance to taste all of these local delicacies. Our next stop was the Aquelarre Restaurant, located close to the migratory path of giant tortoises, where we had a succulent local lunch.
After lunch we went to the Manzanillo Ranch, where we spotted several giant tortoises walking freely around the farms located in the highlands. This created great opportunities to take wonderful pictures of these reptiles.
At the end of the afternoon we headed back to town for some last minute shopping before heading back to the National Geographic Islander. At the day’s end we were happy and loaded with tons of beautiful memories. What a great way to end another day in paradise.
