We spent the day exploring the island of Santa Cruz. One of the four inhabited islands in Galapagos, Santa Cruz has the largest human population and is considered the economic hub of the province. We spent the first part of the morning visiting the tortoise breeding center at the Galapagos National Park. Here we learned about the ongoing efforts to protect species of giant tortoises from extinction. We also visited a beautiful farm and learned about the ways local farmers process their products using artisanal techniques. We had lunch at a beautiful ranch, where we also enjoyed a walk to observe giant tortoises. We learned about the behavioral ecology of these magnificent creatures and spent quite some time taking photos. We ended the day with a visit from some local artists; they came on board the ship to share their wonderful creations that are inspired by these islands.
2/20/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Bartolome and Chinese Hat
The Galapagos never ceases to amaze and today was no exception. We began our morning with a landing at Bartolome Island, where we climbed the iconic boardwalk to the summit. Along the way, we spotted lava lizards basking in the sun and took in the breathtaking views of Pinnacle Rock standing tall against the deep blue water. The highlight of the day came in the afternoon as we explored Chinese Hat, a small cinder cone with striking lava formations. A Zodiac exploration took us along the shoreline where we spotted three Galapagos penguins resting on the lava rocks. These unique seabirds, the only penguins found north of the equator, stood side by side, preening and occasionally glancing towards the water as if contemplating their next dive. Guests also enjoyed snorkeling in the turquoise waters where sea lions twisted playfully and whitetip reef sharks swam through the currents. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we reflected on another extraordinary day in one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet.
