Today was tortoise day! In the morning, we had a chance to see Giant Tortoises in the wild and in the afternoon we visited the Darwin Research station to view the captive breeding program.
We awoke in the morning to find our ship anchored in the harbor off Santa Cruz, one of the two main inhabited islands, with a population of approximately 20000. Most of the other Galapagos islands are largely uninhabitable, primarily due to a lack of water. Luckily, this serves to help protect the native animals and plants from human development.
After breakfast, we were ferried to the main pier and boarded a van for our trip to the highlands. On the way, we stopped at a local fish market in town. Fishermen were selling their catch while relatively tame pelicans looked on.
As we drove up into the highlands, we became aware that this side of the island is quite lush and the degree of precipitation increases as one climbs in elevation. A few years ago, it was discovered that the giant tortoises seem to prefer a particular privately owned farm which used to raise cattle. The owner of the farm was approached with a business proposition--help protect the tortoises and receive compensation from the tours that visit the farm. The owner is now doing quite well and the tortoises are apparently thriving. It is hard to appreciate just how large these animals are until you see them up close. They can weigh hundreds of pounds and reportedly can live up to 150 years. As we strolled through the lush vegetation in our mud boots, tortoises were scattered about in ponds, wallowing in the mud or grazing on vegetation. As you approach them, they sometimes retract their heads and let out a hissing sound.
In the afternoon, we took the pangas to a smaller pier adjacent to the Darwin Research Center. Here, we learned more details about the captive breeding program and the different types of tortoises on the islands. There are three general shell types, ranging from bowl-shaped to saddle-back. The saddle-back evolved on dryer islands to allow the tortoises to extend their necks and reach for vegetation higher off of the ground.
Lonesome George is the last of his species and was discovered alone on Santiago many years ago. He has been sharing a pen with two closely related females for over 30 years. Suddenly, last year two clutches of eggs were discovered and there was hope that new turtles might help start to re-populate the species. Unfortunately, the eggs had not been fertilized. Hopefully, George will try again next year!
Diego is another famous tortoise who spent several years at the San Diego Zoo in California. He was brought back to Galapagos and has helped save his species from extinction. Dogs, cats, goats, black rats and people have all managed to reduce the total tortoise population in the Galapagos from over 200,000 to about 20,000.
After visiting the Darwin Research Center, we decided to have dinner in town. Our guide, Luis, recommended "The Rock" and we had a great dinner consisting of lobster, shrimp, tuna and octopus. Many of the locals were congregated in town, playing volleyball and Latin music could be heard over loudspeakers, creating a festive atmosphere.
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.