As the week continued and we reached the second part of our expedition, we arrived at the northwestern part of Santa Cruz Island, known as Cerro Dragon or Dragon Hill. We enjoyed a walk through the lush forest of palo santo trees and cacti. This is the home of the endemic land iguana from Galapagos. Once called Galapagos dragons, these amazing creatures have evolved into the unique species that lives in the driest part of the island, feeding on prickly pear cacti and burrowing itself in the ground seeking shelter against high temperatures on very sunny days.
As for the afternoon, farther north in Borrero bay we had amazing Zodiac and kayak excursions. Mangrove forests provide of a good nursery for young sharks, rays, and turtles that develop, feed, and grow there before going to the open ocean.
As we enjoyed a beautiful sunset with wine and cheese, we navigated around the famous Daphne Major Islet, home of boobies and finches. We could not ask for more!