It is extraordinary to see how humans coexist with nature in an inhabited island. This morning we went to visit the “Fausto Llerena” giant tortoise breeding center and we were very lucky to observe recently hatched tortoises from Floreana and Santiago islands. In the last 60 years, many tortoises have been brought back into the wild, replenishing the population. Our guests learned about the importance of conservation efforts that protect this pristine archipelago. In the afternoon, we walked in the highlands among the Santa Cruz giant tortoises, seeing many tortoises of all ages, some even mating.
10/3/2024
Read
National Geographic Endeavour II
Bartholomew Island and Sombrero Chino
We split into groups for different excursions this morning. Four groups went up the staircase to the top for the iconic view over the isthmus of Bartholomew Island and Pinnacle Rock. We walked past exposed volcanic formations of all sorts: spatter cones, tuff cones, and lava tubes. Two other groups chose to explore along the coast by Zodiac in hopes of Galapagos penguin sightings. All of us were successful in what we hoped for and even the walkers saw penguins near the dock where we disembarked! Both snorkeling off the beach and deep-water outings along the backside of the island were tremendously productive because we saw it all: penguins and sharks being the top species, and diving blue-footed boobies too! The afternoon had National Geographic Endeavour II anchored not too far south, off the coast of Santiago Island near Sombrero Chino. A dramatically barren, small volcanic cone where another snorkeling outing was offered and late-afternoon Zodiac rides to search yet one more time for penguins. We can never get enough of them!