Santa Cruz Island
Today we began our day anchored at the northwest corner of Santa Cruz Island, with a visit to Cerro Dagon (Dragon Hill). The day was radiant; after disembarking we walked by the small brackish lagoon located in the area. The water level was high as a result of the rains we expect this time of year, which attracts different species of shorebirds, such as flamingoes, sand pipers, plovers, whimbrels and stilts.
The weather conditions were good—not too hot, not too muddy, so we had fun. Further along the trail we spotted several land iguanas, or Galápagos dragons, which give this place its name. Males were displaying their bright yellow breeding coloration, giving excellent photo opportunities to our guests. After a pleasant hike we returned to the National Geographic Endeavour to continue with our morning activities.
After warming up with the increasing temperature, we were ready to get in the water. Some of us went snorkeling and others went to the beach to enjoy the warm waters typical of this season. The snorkeling was along the coast of one of the Guy Fawkes Islets. Conditions were slightly rough, ideal for attracting abundant marine wildlife. We spotted sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, many species of colorful fish and a couple of playful sea lions. It was a great morning.
In the afternoon, we dropped anchor at El Eden, a small islet near Santa Cruz Island. Some of our guests kayaked along the shore, while another group took Zodiac rides to enjoy the peace of this tranquil place. On shore, we observed one Sally Lightfoot crab feeding on another, a behavior rarely seen. In the water, the sea turtles showed their heads and white-tipped sharks swam in the shallows among many species of fish. Clouds were covering the area and suddenly a strong rain started just as we were heading back to the National Geographic Endeavour.
Back on board we began our circumnavigation of Daphne Major Islet. This islet is the natural laboratory for a couple of scientists; Peter and Rosemary Grant have been studying Darwin’s finches here for over 30 years. Everyone enjoyed the impressive landscape of the islet, as well as the fascinating discoveries about how natural selection takes place within generations, while evolution takes place across generations…
What a great way to finish our day!
