Thursday: Santa Cruz Highlands & North Seymour Island
AM: Santa Cruz Highlands
Reached by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green contrasting beautifully with much of the dry, lower islands. The dominant vegetation in the highlands is the forest of Scalesia trees creating the lush green color and surrounded by the famous Galapagos Tortoises in semi-wild state at the Breeding center. The lava tubes, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience.
PM: North Seymour Island
Galapagos sea lions, frigate-birds and blue-footed boobies are abundant on North Seymour Island. The island was formed by a series of submarine lava containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation. Opportunity to snorkel and see reef-sharks, rays and garden eels.