Today we woke up at Academy Bay, located on the southeast of Santa Cruz Island. Here, we visited the Charles Darwin Research Station, where we learned about the breeding program of endangered giant tortoises. We also got the chance to experience some local flavor with a stop at “El Trapiche,” a sugarcane press operated by one family since the 1960s. In the afternoon, we went to an excursion to the Santa Cruz highlands, where we could observe giant tortoises on their migration route. It was an amazing to see these huge animals up close and in their natural habitat. Before returning to the ship, some guests explored the main town, Puerto Ayora, and came back with souvenirs. Other guests enjoyed an exhibition organized by local artisans in the ship’s Global Gallery.
5/9/2024
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Santa Cruz Island
We took a good look at a few giant tortoises in Urbina Bay, Isabela Island, but we all wanted a bit more giant tortoise information. These gentle giants are one of the most charismatic of the Galapagos characters. Where to start? At the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center managed by the Galapagos National Park Directorate in Puerto Ayora. Here, we saw them in all shapes and sizes, from babies a few months old to venerable reptiles older than all of us! Lindblad Expeditions supports local initiatives aimed at potentially diminishing the introduction of new invasive species. Granja Integral Ochoa is a place that provides this beneficial support. The hydroponic system is highly efficient and generates fresh vegetables without having to import them from mainland Ecuador. And the quality is so high we serve them to our guests and crew on an almost daily basis. Plus, the Ochoa family makes you feel at home with their warmth, freshly brewed coffee, and scrumptious empanadas. The day wasn’t over yet. Next, we went to Manzanillo Ranch for a meal and more interactions with Santa Cruz giant tortoises. Lunch was fabulous and the tortoises plentiful. It was another wonderful day in paradise!