Today was all about giant tortoises. Morning and afternoon, we focused on this iconic Galapagos reptile species. The Galapagos National Park just recently inaugurated the “Ruta de la Tortuga”, or the “Path of the Tortoise” to take visitors along towards the real, living individuals they have in captivity in order to breed and repatriate the offspring. The trail led us through a forest of giant prickly pear cacti, the only variation in the world to grow to the height of a tree, as well as candelabra cacti, which is an endemic genus. Numerous other endemic plants lined the path, and a variety of creatures such as Santa Cruz lava lizards, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, flycatchers. In the afternoon, the giants were seen wandering in lush green grass…tortoises all day!
10/4/2024
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Genovesa Island
With coffee in hand, I stepped out onto the front balcony of the lounge to see what was going on. We had just entered Darwin’s Bay, dropped anchor, and the juvenile red-footed boobies had found the ship and were flying around us on an inspection tour. The rest of the day continued with discoveries of all kinds. An early morning inversion layer (locally known as “garúa”) had fallen and dampened the environment with much desired drops of fresh water, although the chicks of various species didn’t appear terribly pleased in having wet feathers. On our return, the same bedraggled individuals looked smooth, sleek and dry once the sun had come out. The Galapagos National Park has only two sites for visitors, both spectacular, both well worth a slow walk among the palo santo trees to see the great frigatebirds, red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, Galapagos doves, Darwin’s finches, short-eared owls, and storm petrels. Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding along the base of the cliffs of Darwin’s Bay followed. There’s nothing quite like this island anywhere in the world.
