Today, our expedition began after an early breakfast, as we went ashore at 7:30am in search of the giant tortoises of Santa Cruz. First, we walked to the Charles Darwin Research Center, where the Lindblad natural history staff explained the extensive work being done to preserve the giant tortoise. We watched the next generation of tiny baby tortoises scrambling over the rocky terrain at the breeding center.

We then set out for the highlands, stopping along the way at a local farm to see how Galapageño farmers lived before the onset of the tourism industry— from grinding sugar cane, roasting coffee, and distilling spirits, our hosts showed us a small glimpse of their traditions.

After lunch and a short walk through a lava tube, we finally came face-to-face with wild adult giant tortoises, which live longer than human beings. The tortoises were feeding on the grasses of the lush highlands and cooling off in pools of standing water. This wildlife close-encounter is one that none of us will ever forget.