Joel BergsmaUnderwater photographer · Expedition diver

Galapagos00°44'S 90°21'WJun 2012 to Jul 201298 photos

Santa Cruz Island, June 30, 2012

Three days and two nights on Santa Cruz Island, June 30 - July 2, 2012.

← Galapagos

Heading toward the very flat Baltra Island, Galapagos, for a landing there.Landing at the former US WWII airbase on the very flat Baltra Island, Galapagos.Heading toward the open air airpot immigration, customs, and mandatory collection in cash of $100 for our Galapagos National Park entry fee.Airport sign - Welcome to the Galapagos. Photos include the volcano hike on Isabela Island, a land iguana's head, and post office bay in Floreana.
Baltra airpot handicraft shops, with the new, environmentally friendly airport terminal beginning construction behind.At the airport, awaiting the public bus to the ferry from Baltra to Santa Cruz Islands.Ferry from Baltra to Santa Cruz. Luggage goes on top, passengers below. The ferry is slow! Powered by only two small outboard motors.Map of Baltra & Santa Cruz, shows the drive from the Channel across the Island to Puerto Ayora.
Our Red Mangrove bus awaits on Santa Cruz for the drive across the Island to Puerto Ayora.Marine Iguanas at rest on the outdoor deck of the Red Magrove Aventura Lodge in Puerto Ayora.Brown Pelican in flight. (Its body is up to 50 inches)Sally Lightfoot Crabs (endemic to Galapagos).
Sea Lion at rest near the outdoor deck of the Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge in Puerto Ayora.Sally Lightfoot Crab (endemic to Galapagos).Marine Iguana at rest on the outdoor deck of the Red Magrove Aventura Lodge in Puerto Ayora.Our very nice "Gaviota" room at the Divers Lodge had 4 beds in a 4 level lodging area.
Brown PelicanThe average cruise ship in the Galapagos hosts 8 to 20 passengers. Seen here are a few of the passenger ships at anchor in Puerto Ayora's harbor.These taxi boats in Puerto Ayora ferry passengers to and from the cruise ships and across a channel separating the town.A channel separates the town, and it is used as a small boat harbor.
Brown PelicanA Brown Pelican stands watch over the welcome to Puerto Ayora harbor sign.National Geographic's Xpedition cruise ship (1 of 2) at anchor in Puerto Ayora's harbor.The average cruise ship in the Galapagos hosts 8 to 20 passengers. Seen here are a few of the passenger ships at anchor in Puerto Ayora's harbor.
Underwater photograph by Joel BergsmaUnderwater photograph by Joel BergsmaUnderwater photograph by Joel BergsmaUnderwater photograph by Joel BergsmaSeen from the deck of the Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge.
Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge seen from its outdoor deck.Seen from the deck of the Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge.First day's hike was on our own to Tortuga Bay, a highly rated beach on Tripadvisor.Looking back toward Puerto Ayora from the ranger station at the entry to Tortuga Bay. Notice the thick marine layer.
In the distance is one of the largest cruise ships in the Galapagos Islands. It is at anchor in the Puerto Ayora harbor.Welcome to Tortuga Bay.Galapagos MockingbirdGalapagos Mockingbird
Galapagos cactus tree (endemic).Woodpecker Finch.American Oystercatcher on the beach at Tortuga Bay.A Marine Iguana, a reptile unique to the Galapagos Islands, basks in the warmth of the sandy beach.
A Marine Iguana, a reptile unique to the Galapagos Islands, basks in the warmth of the sandy beach.A Marine Iguana, a reptile unique to the Galapagos Islands, basks in the warmth of the sandy beach.Marine Iguanas basking near the mangroves in the warmth of the sandy beach.Entry area for the 45 minute hike to Tortuga Bay. Notice the volcanic rock that is present throughout the Galapagos.
Marine Iguana at rest on the outdoor deck of the Red Magrove Aventura Lodge in Puerto Ayora.Afternoon hike to El Garrapatero Beach.Our tour bus sure beats a Chiba!Galapagos cricket found along the pathway to the beach.
Manzanillo trees are located along the pathway ahead. They with a poisonous green apple fruit and an irritating bark.Galapagos Mockingbird, along the pathway.Galapagos Cactus Trees along the pathway to El Garrapatero Beach.Galapagos Cactus Trees along the pathway to El Garrapatero Beach.Entry to the beach.
Lava Gull (endemic species) at the El Garrapatero Beach. It's the only all black gull.Lava Lizard (endemic species) at the El Garrapatero Beach. Females have red markings around the head and throat, so this is a female.Yellow Warbler (endemic species) at the El Garrapatero Beach. It's a bright yellow bird ranging up to 5 inches.A Brown Pelican scouts for fish at the El Garrapatero Beach.
A Brown Pelican scouts for fish at the El Garrapatero Beach.A Brown Pelican scouts for fish at the El Garrapatero Beach.A Brown Pelican scratches itself at the El Garrapatero Beach.A Brown Pelican at the El Garrapatero Beach.
Greater Flamingos at a sheltered shallow inlet at El Garrapatero Beach. Their food source - shrimp - have just returned to this inlet.Greater Flamingos at a sheltered shallow inlet at El Garrapatero Beach. Their food source - shrimp - have just returned to this inlet.Camping is allowed at the El Garrapatero Beach.2d floor, Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge.
Door to our room on the 2d floor, Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge.Inside our room on the 2d floor, Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge. Our balcony opened into the mangroves.Marine Iguana (endemic species). Warming itself on the outdoor deck of the Lodge.Marine Iguana (endemic species). The white residue on its head is salt that it ejects periodically from its nostrils.
Marine Iguana (endemic species). The white residue on its head is salt that it ejects periodically from its nostrils.Collapsed volcanic craters are on both sides of the road.Collapsed volcanic crater on the west side of the road."Los Gemelos" - collapsed volcanic craters on both sides of the road.
Collapsed volcanic crater on the east side of the road.Scalesia Forest found in the Galapagos at 400-500 meters altitude.Collapsed volcanic crater on the east side of the road. Looking back toward the entry area."Los Gemelos" - collapsed volcanic craters on both sides of the road.
Putting on our boots before venturing into the mud paths of the private Tortoise reserve farm.Tortoise on a private farm in Santa Cruz, adjoining the National Park.

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