Day 4: More Waters Await!
Today is filled with more water adventures off of the Santa Fe
and Santa Cruz Islands. A boat ride takes us first to Santa Fe where
we’ll snorkel the island’s surrounding crystal waters rich with sea
lions, fish, rays and turtles. |
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Santa Fe has one of the most
beautiful coves in the region - a turquoise lagoon protected by a
peninsula of rocks and small islands that extends from the shore. If
we’re lucky, we may spot a Santa Fe Iguana lounging onshore. These
rare reptiles are only found on the same-name island. Our boat ride
continues onto Santa Cruz, where we pick up our kayaks for paddling
around Divine Bay and Punta Estrada.
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Weave your way though channels
as sharks and rays swim in the waters beneath. Along the way, keep
an eye out for wildlife perched on the jagged cliffs above. This
evening we overnight in the Galapagos’s largest city, Puerto Ayora. |
Day 5: Highlands Hike and Bike
Our exploration continues into the Highlands of Santa Cruz. This
morning we’ll transfer to El Chato reserve.
As we hike through the
area we’ll look for pintail ducks, egrets, finches, frigate birds
and – with great luck – the rare giant Galapagos tortoise. Our trail
takes us through lava caves, tunnels, the collapsed crater Media
Luna, and into the Miconia forest. The forest is a major breeding
location for the Dark-rumped Petrel.
Our return trip is done by
mountain bike.
We’ll coast through farmland and small villages until
we reach ElGarrapatero beach where we are greeted by a variety of
unique shore birds. Finish the day with a visit to the Charles
Darwin Research Station, a must-stop for every Galapagos traveler.
Here, visitors can observe tortoise research and breeding programs.
Don't forget to say hello to the tortoise Lonesome George – the last
of his species. |
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