The delightful aroma of the surrounded holly stick “palo santo” forest indicated us that the rainy season in the pristine arid northwestern coast of Santa Cruz already started. Our natural quest began at an ancient place known as Cerro Dragon, a unique place where we can find the endemic Galapagos land iguanas. Unfortunately, due to introduced species in early years the population of these unique reptiles was almost wiped out. However, the population has been recovered due to the successful semi-captive breeding program that is run by the Galapagos National Park Service with the scientific advice of the Charles Darwin Research Station.
As soon as we landed our explorers got to know the richness of the fascinating visitor site. Lava gulls, marine iguanas, and flamingos were seen from the path that led us to the interior of the island. Due to the rainfall, the palo santo and Galapagos cotton were blooming; mocking birds as well as Darwin’s finches were collecting nesting material for their mates. Once we reached the dryer area we finally spotted the dragons of Galapagos “land iguanas.” Due to the intense humidity these prehistoric creatures were very active and allowed us to get some closed up shots. After so much fun on land we were back to the National Geographic Endeavour for a quick turnover and then to enjoy the underwater realm.
Very enthusiastic guests joined us for snorkeling in an ancient tuff formation offshore of Santa Cruz Island. The effort of our guests paid off; a great variety of fish, sea turtles and a colorful vertical wall astonished the snorkelers. Just before we ended the activity the curious Galapagos sea lions joined us while we spotted a juvenile Galapagos penguin perching on a rock.
After we recharged our energy with a delicious Ecuadorian buffet, we took children for a Zodiac driving lesson as part of the junior naturalist challenge. While some of us were exploring the bizarre coastline of el Eden others were on a Zodiac cruise. We keep an eagle-eye on blue-footed boobies, sea lions, migratory birds, small sharks and eagle rays that made our afternoon trip captivating. Afterward we all gather at the bow as we circumnavigate Daphne Major while our expedition leader narrates the different events that once occurred on the island. Our day ended with a magnificent sunset and bottlenose dolphins that showed up before the day turned dark.
