GALAPAGOS 9 - Santa Cruz

Our last island visit took us the Darwin Research Centre, some native dancing at lunch, then re-forestation work. At the Darwin we saw the efforts to avoid losing all the giant tortoises. There are several species that are specific to certain islands. One had only 2 males and 8 females that couldn't find one another. So they brought to the centre but the males weren't very romantic. They went round all the world zoos to find some genetically similar males. Found one in San Diego zoo and brought him back. Little Diego is a bit of a goer & has increased the population dramatically.

Celebrity sponsors the tree planting so we all went up to the Highlands and planted some Silesia trees

I tried a bit of local dancing with the girls after dinner.

We then sailed back to Baltra where the airport is. In the evening we were treated to a wildlife night spectacular. The ship had it's lights on which attracted fish. The bigger fish arrived, the sharks arrived, the pelicans arrived. But the only ones to catch anything were the sea lions hiding under the boat. The fish were so quick, whizzing along, jumping out of the water but the sea lions were quick. None of the other predators stood a chance. The sharks looked quite dozy by comparison.

GALSPAGOS8 - San Cristobal

In the afternoon the ship re-position to Punta Pitt & on the way we went up on the bridge. Quite sophisticated in all its eco systems to treat water and not damage the environment. We always had to wash down with hoses every time we came back on board to avoid taking anything foreign to another island. The ship also has a black box and transponders that float to the surface if the ship sinks. The ship can sail by autopilot, but the navigator says he still uses his sextant. Mum was disappointed that there was no wheel, just a tiny joystick.

Once we boarded the RIBs we went to visit some very rocky outcrops and shoreline. Once again , plentiful wildlife, including the Red Foot Boobies and the Nasca variety.

GALAPAGOS7 - San Cristobal

We went ashore at Barquerizo Moreno to visit a history centre that told you about the human history of the islands. It was very difficult with business men trying to make a go of various things & failing, it being used as a prison camp and it is only in more recent years that people have made a success of things.

GALAPAGOS6 - North Seymour

Morning visit was to beach, we skipped it in favour of lay in & big brekkie. We have been getting up at 6:30 most days & were getting knackered.

I went off a spectacular deep water snorkel along the cliffs. The water was crystal and we swam with about 20 reef shark, saw a big ray and schools of very colourful fish. The puffers are very inquisitive and come right up to you. The eagle rays are quite something.

I went back to the boat, got rid of the wet suit & mum & I went ashore. On our way in the RIB, we were escorted by a pod of bottle nose dolphins. Getting ashore was tricky on the rocks but up on the beach the Blue Foot Boobies were doing their mating dances, stamping up and down to show off the colour & generally acting like clowns, which is where they get their name. The Frigates were also looking for mates, the males flying around showing off their big red sacks to girls. Also land iguanas which are more colourful than the marine variety & many other bird species flying around.

GALAPAGOS5 - Bartolome

After BBQ couldn't do any walking so opted for RIB ride round the rocky coast. Volvanic, not much veg but loads of wildlife. The cold water brings up loads of plankton, so fish & birds are plentiful.

GALAPAGOS4 - Santiago

We are now in the volcanic west in Sullivan Bay. It is so different, with no vegetation apart from cactus & small plants that look like those on my drive after I have weed killed. Its very difficult walking on the lava & very hot here. We survived & returned on board to Blue Booby cocktails & the best BBQ I have ever had. The seafood, shrimps as big as lobsters, snapper, scorpion fish and lobster were just unbelievable. Ah well someone has to do it.

GALAPAGOS3 - Isabella Island

Went for a nice ride in the RIB around Elizabeth Bay. Saw the flightless Cormorants, the male was collecting sea urchins to decorate the nest. The Blue Booby has great blue webbed feet and dances wonderfully. Lot of action in the sea with sharks and sting rays. One big ray jumped clear out of the sea. Saw a shoal of sardines being chased by large fish and a penguin. What are penguins doing up on the equator? Are they on holiday? Also saw sea turtles.

Couldn't snorkel yesterday, too rough, but today went deep water at Tagus Cove on the RIB and saw loads of fish and even swam with a turtle. That's my dive buddy, Eric from Manchester.