Galapagos Islands
We had moved again last night and now were off Santa Cruz Island. The 0615 “Wake and and eat” announcement got us going again. Breakfast at 0630 and by 0730 were were in the Zodiac heading for a dry landing. A short walk took us to the Charles Darwin research station where we spent 1 ½ hours learning about the tortoise and giant land iguana preservation programs and mingled with the tortoises.
Another short walk took us to the town of Puerto Ayora which is entirely dependent on tourism for its economy.
1145 we were back aboard for social ½ hour then attended a Naturalist talk on El Nino. Lunch and a rest followed as the vessel got underway. At 1530 we made a wet landing at Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island. Our group was smaller today, only six plus our Naturalist Vico. We walked to the lagoon to see flamingos but they were gone elsewhere. Then across a saddle and down onto a white beach popular with nesting turtles. The turtles were in the water keeping cool. Several rays were gliding about just offshore, visible in the clear water. The turtle nests were most interesting and easy to find by just observing the turtle track in the sand.
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| giant land iguana |
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| fish market |
By 1800 (6pm) we were back aboard for social hour. 1945 was a briefing on tomorrows activities. 2000 dinner and 2145 a farewell cocktail party. Then sleep.
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