Puerto Baquerizo Moreno - San Cristobal Island.

Today was our last day and we left Galapagos Explorer II.

We were transported by boat to the main port of San Cristobal Island, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno - the political capital of the Galapagos archipelago.




We were taken by bus to the interpretation centre.



The center has many displays that summarises the history and future challenges of the Galapagos.

A number of rooms outline the story of topics like the creation of the Islands from the Pacific and Nazca tectonic plates; then the discovery of the islands, the isolation of flora and animal and birds, early attempts at human settlement, the history of whalers, traders and hunters ....as well as the work of Darwin.

The story of the proposal that this amazing place deserved to be kept in its natural state as much as it possibly could be is explained, and setting up the action plans and legislation to enable this.

Galapagos has an objective to be totally independent of fossil fuels by the end of this decade, coupled with this challenges to manage scarce resources like water and manage tourism.

Then back in the town the seaside pavement had some interesting sights.

The main street of the town was lined with tourist shops and travel charter operators.

We then caught our flight to Guayaquil from a rather basic airport.

Primicas. Santa Cruz Island and a fond farewell to GE II

We travelled by bus towards the centre of Santa Cruz Island.

Two major attractions

• Lava tunnel
• Giant tourtises in the wild

Lava tunnel

Andrew had a "headlight"

This is as far as we got

Giant tortoises

A farewell from Galapagos Explorer II

Tonight the crew and naturalists said good-bye prior to our departure the following morning. The dedication and enthusiasm they showed in their job and their caring for the environment was so apparent.

They prepared a wonderful picture record of photos of the places we visited and the wildlife we saw. It was not only entertaining but also very moving to see all the birds and animals in their natural surroundings and to see the efforts of the people of the Galapagos Islands go to to ensure this unique and incredible situation is managed and continues.

Everyone in our group felt they got to greatly appreciate the importance of looking after the natural resources on the planet and help give nature a fighting chance to ensure that future generations can enjoy the world as much as we do.

Our heartfelt thanks and respect to all the crew and staff on Galapagos Explorer II and the care and respect they show for the environment and the keen and diligent manner with which they carry out their work.

North Seymour Island

North Seymour Island is situated somewhat away from other islands in the group and suited north of the equator. Bird life abounds, especially frigate birds and our favouites bird in the Galapagos, the blue footed boobie-who do a dance and look like "lifes a ball". The island is also home to land iguanas..

Land iguanas were warming up in the morning sun after rain overnight

Warbler: This pretty bird had a beautiful call

Our group traversing the muddy terrain

Another land iguana

We reach the beach and a sandy terrain"

Where is Mum- it's breakfast time

Lava lizard

Ther was a large Frigate bird population

Here are the blue footed boobies

We were sorry to leave, the towel folding by the cabin boys awaited our return

Darwin Bay - Genovesa Island

Northeast over the equator, Genovesa has the largest colony of red-footed boobies and many great frigatebirds. No goats, pigs or other destructive animals have been introduced so we saw "nature in the raw". This was a great morning - we were treated to bird life close up.

Rosemary and Tom were on our tour.

Bird life was on rocks - Solitary gulls

Sleeping on the beach

And other places

Male Frigate birds have a red air sac to attract a mate to their nest

Juvenile red footed Boobie

The tide was coming in and we saw saw rainbow fish

Young red footed Boobie waiting for Mum to feed it

Feed time

Back to the ship