Day 399 – Santa Cruz
Tortoise, Finches, Iguanas, Crabs, Turtles, Sea lions, Sharks, Rays
Today we woke up nice and early so we could have the included breakfast at our accommodation, Galapagos Best Hostel. It’s served between 7 and 8 am. The breakfast included a bun, butter, jam, fried egg, slice of tomato, juice, tea and coffee.
Charles Darwin Research Centre
Then we walked towards the Charles Darwin Research Centre. The centre has an area open to the public called the Tortoise Path. You can walk along it for free.
However, at the information kiosk we discovered a newish tour. It costs $10 USD ($14.89 AUD) per person (p/p). Since the centre is free, we agreed to the tour.
The gentleman who took us was brilliant. Even though he was Ecuadorian, it felt like we were taken around by David Attenborough. With 35 years of experience on the islands, he was whistling and attracting various birds that was really amazing.
He also explained how the islands were formed. Essentially fissures in the Earth’s crust created volcanoes. From the bottom of the sea, it would take 4 million years for the lava to surface. The island we are on is an active volcano that took another 1.6 million years to form.Â
We learned about the 3 types of islands and volcanoes (extinct, dormant and active). Also that the islands move 7cm every year towards the South American continent.
We got to learn about the breeding program, see the embalmed body of the famous Lonesome George and learn heaps about the types of animals on the island.Â
Lonesome George, was the last of his species, but another tortoise from a North American zoo called Diego was bought in to continue the species…somehow. We also saw a yellow iguana, which is not native to Santa Cruz. The guide said it’s here because not many people will ever get to see one.
The tour lasted around one hour, ending at the Exhibition Hall. We went into the hall and read all the information. A 200kg tortoise can walk 10 km in 2 weeks! The video presentation is also informative.Â
We then wondered back to read some of the signage we missed as the tour guide took us around. Then we headed to the beach, La Ratonera and saw marine iguanas and heaps of red crabs.
Our final destination was Marine World, which is only open on weekdays according to the signs. The building is more informative with signs, and worth a peek. The various ancient sharks looked so scary.
We spent around 2 hours at the centre. More information can be found at https://www.darwinfoundation.org/en/
Lunch time
From the research centre we walked into town. We went back to the Fish Fry Street for another meal of the day. The soups that come with the meals are delicious.
Las Grietas
After lunch, we decided to go to Las Grietas. We went to the Santa Cruz pier and asked for Las Grietas. The staff at the pier were helpful and pointed us to the correct platform. Then we got into a small boat that took us for around 5-10 minutes. The ferry cost $0.80 USD ($1.19 AUD) p/p.
From the Las Grietas pier, it’s a short walk to Las Grietas. On the boat, we met a Dutch backpacker, who we ended up walking with. Along the way we went past the German Beach, Finch Bay Hotel and Salt Marshes.
German Beach Salt Marshes
Las Grietas is created by lava during a volcanic eruption. The swimming area is surrounded by high rock walls. The water is a mixture of salt and freshwater. It’s really nice to swim in.
After an hour, we decided to walk around to a view point above the Las Grietas, before we headed back to the pier for a ferry ride back to the main Santa Cruz pier. Again this cost $0.80 USD ($1.19 AUD) p/p.
Below pier, there was a variety of sea life. It was really cool. There was also a sea lion on the pier itself, without a care in the world. It would sometimes get aggressive as tourists kept getting really close to take selfies. Otherwise, no cares were given.
Tortuga Bay
We then decided to visit Tortuga Bay with our new Dutch friend. The entrance is only a short walk from the town. After which there is another 2.4km to walk along a nice path towards the beach. When we were there, it was almost 4.30pm. The site closes at 5pm. The rangers told us to come back tomorrow, but the Dutch guy was leaving tomorrow so we persisted. They told us to walk quickly because another ranger would turn us back at 5pm on the dot.
Now if it was just me, I would have rushed to the beach. However, our friend said not to worry as we were inside, so he just strolled along, very slowly.
We made it to Playa Brava (Brava Beach), which has strong waves. As we crossed Playa Brava, a ranger told us to turn around. We were less than 200m away from Tortuga Bay!
Therefore, we had to walk back into town. It was alright for us, as we can come another day…hopefully.
We arrived back to our hostel around 6.30pm and after some grocery shopping we had dinner on Fry Fish Street.