Charles Darwin Research Station

Today was another early morning. After only a few hours of sleep, we were off to the airport once more. Upon landing on the island, we proceeded to take a public bus to a ferry. We then took our own bus to Puerto Ayora. As we drove through different landscapes, I also noticed a lot of construction. Crews were working on the roads and many houses were being built (in addition to what looked like an apartment building). Transferred via panga, we then boarded the Tip Top IV.

Transferring by boat to the other side of the island

Entering Santa Cruz.

Looking out towards the harbor.

The afternoon shore excursion took us back into Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) for the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS). I remember the CDRS very differently as I was here when you could walk right next to the tortoises and since I was here when Lonesome George was alive. Diego, a tortoise brought to the Galapagos from the San Diego zoo, is now the main attraction until the CDRS receives Lonesome George back from the taxidermist. Who thought of stuffing animals anyways? I learned that Diego has 800 babies, 70% of which are relocated. It's interesting to note that interbreeding isn't an issue so much with tortoises as it is with other animals such as lions. While at the CDRS, I also learned why most of the endemic plants are either yellow or white. Moths pollinate these plants during the evening and rely on their vision to know where the center of the flower is. White and yellow stick out the most, which is why plants seem to be those two colors. Similar to graphic design, color appears to play a larger role than initially thought. I was a bit disappointed to learn that we couldn't see the baby tortoise breeding program, as I was really looking forward to seeing that and learning even more about the conservation efforts there.

Sea lion basking in the sun on a boat in the harbor.

The zodiacs took us back to the pier.

Marine Iguana on concrete near the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Entering the Charles Darwin Research Station.

One of the tortoises in the enclosures.

A land iguana mid-yawn at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Tired iguana?? This reminded me of my dog when he's exhausted.

The rest of the day was spent going over general rules and I spent my free time photographing flying birds, swimming sea lions, and the pufferfish beneath our boat. My photography highlight of the day, however, was capturing an iguana mid-yawn.

Photographing black tip shark babies from the pier on the way back.

Heading towards the Tip Top IV

That's all for now... Stay tuned for more Galapagos adventures. Also, be sure to hit the subscribe button to be notified of new posts, as there is sometimes unreliable internet! Follow my instagram @elissatitle for more photography posts.