South Santa Cruz Island

This morning, we leave to visit the giant land turtles. After a 45 minutes bus ride we arrive to the Primicias Ranch: the home of giant land turtles. At the information center, we saw and touched a giant turtle shell. Even some guys stepped in the shell to feel how it is to be a turtle.

We walked in the forest for about 90 minutes searching and looking for turtles and some finches. I confess to you that my first item on the list was to see the giant turtles (sorry beautiful finches, but you cannot win this one).
The first turtle we met was eating on the side of the road. She got shy a little and retracted her head…we kept going and found another one taking a bath. Few others taking sunbaths. The last one we saw was a baby one. It was curious and not that shy compared to the older ones we saw. She was charming too.

It was now time to get back on the bus and explore the Highlands, lava tunnels and the “Gemelos” which means: Twins referring to the two volcano’s cheminees separated by a road. Great view of a volcano now taken over by vegetation and life. Leaving the Twins by bus in the direction of the zodiac to get back on-board of the Odyssey.

After lunch, we had the choice to go at the beach, or stay on the yacht before our next tour of The Charles’ Darwin Research Center where we will be visiting “Lonesome George”.

My husband and I decided to take that time to pack our suitcases since the night might be rocky again. We enjoyed our relaxing time on-board while only two people left to the beach.

At 2:30 p.m. we all left with Peter to visit Darwin’s Research Center. It was amazing to see the turtles there. Baby turtles kept safe in their enclosures, giant iguanas, and poor Lonesome George, the last of his kind, who really seamed tired and lonely. After another great visit, we have free time in Puerto Ayora to do some shopping. We found a nice polo shirt for my husband with the Charles Darwin Center logo.

Back on board, briefing for the next day and it’s dinner-time….our last dinner on-board, so lets enjoy it!