Cerro Dragon & Chinese Hat Island
The Galápagos is not a common place and the names that are use to describe the areas that we visit make reference to the animals, landscape or just the main attraction of the area.
Today’s visit makes reference to Cerro Dragon, and special location at the north-western side of Santa Cruz Island. It is here where a large number of dragon-like animals (land iguanas) are found nesting or simply hanging out. It is also an area that became an icon for protection and restoration of endangered species. Many programs have been developed for the protection of this species that was once severely attacked by the presence of feral cats and dogs.
Our early morning walk was pretty successful with the sight of many individuals not even mildly concern with our presence in their territory. The landscape, full of green vegetation, provided us with a vast example of the type of food that the iguanas need for their survival.
It was indeed a good morning, so just to make it even better, we combined it with an snorkeling outing that ended up with the sighting of a gigantic manta ray swimming alongside our guests. Even thought we have assured our guests (and they have seen it themselves) that all the marine creatures in the Galápagos are harmless, there were some suspiciously swimming in the opposite direction of where the manta ray was found. It is only natural to react in that way when an animal twice your size glides underneath you - so we can’t blame them!
Our afternoon was also full of adventures: a second round of snorkeling, kayaking, Zodiac rides and beach time were among the possible combinations that our guests had. After such a full afternoon it only made sense to come back on board, have a cocktail and take in the sunset…that is what life is all about, at least here in the Galápagos Islands!
The Galápagos is not a common place and the names that are use to describe the areas that we visit make reference to the animals, landscape or just the main attraction of the area.
Today’s visit makes reference to Cerro Dragon, and special location at the north-western side of Santa Cruz Island. It is here where a large number of dragon-like animals (land iguanas) are found nesting or simply hanging out. It is also an area that became an icon for protection and restoration of endangered species. Many programs have been developed for the protection of this species that was once severely attacked by the presence of feral cats and dogs.
Our early morning walk was pretty successful with the sight of many individuals not even mildly concern with our presence in their territory. The landscape, full of green vegetation, provided us with a vast example of the type of food that the iguanas need for their survival.
It was indeed a good morning, so just to make it even better, we combined it with an snorkeling outing that ended up with the sighting of a gigantic manta ray swimming alongside our guests. Even thought we have assured our guests (and they have seen it themselves) that all the marine creatures in the Galápagos are harmless, there were some suspiciously swimming in the opposite direction of where the manta ray was found. It is only natural to react in that way when an animal twice your size glides underneath you - so we can’t blame them!
Our afternoon was also full of adventures: a second round of snorkeling, kayaking, Zodiac rides and beach time were among the possible combinations that our guests had. After such a full afternoon it only made sense to come back on board, have a cocktail and take in the sunset…that is what life is all about, at least here in the Galápagos Islands!
