Last full day of the cruise, and we spent it at Santa Cruz Island, landing at Puerto Ayora. In the morning, we went up to the highlands, where local farmers grow fruit. We didn’t go to see fruit, but to see the Galapagos Tortoises that walk over to the farms from the National Park to graze on the fruit.

 

So far, all of our landings have been to the coasts. As this is the dry season, they have been brown and arid areas. Up in the highlands, it becomes almost rainforest-like, foggy and wet, with occasional short bursts of rain. Since it was rainy, there were several large puddles, almost ponds, where we found several of these majestic animals. And the ones we found were young ones, not one more than about 80 years old!

 

After seeing the tortoises, we ventured to a lava tunnel. Lava tunnels form when flowing lava cools on the surface but stays hot and flowing inside. This one was huge, probably 15 feet across! We walked down about 100 yards, but this tube was many miles long.

 

The afternoon we went to the Charles Darwin Research Station. This is the main research and conservation center for the entire Park. Their main focus is repopulating the tortoises. The most famous tortoise is Lonesome George. George was the last tortoise from his island, and for years was unwilling to mate with any females. Maybe he’s not so much lonesome as a loner. Well, good news, he finally decided to lose his virginity and he mated a few months ago. There are now three eggs in the incubator, and they should know in a couple of months if George is going to be a father.

 

Speaking of tortoises mating, we did happen across two tortoises going at it while we were there. And I’ve got the tortoise porn to prove it.

 

After the station, we headed back to the boat for dinner and to thank our wonderful guides and ship crew. Then one last night at sea before heading back to dry land and home.