Joel BergsmaUnderwater photographer · Expedition diver

Galapagos00°44'S 90°21'WJun 2012 to Jul 201219 photos

Santa Cruz Island, July 5, 2012

Our return to Santa Cruz Island for the night of July 5, 2012. We toured the Charles Darwin Research Station, just down the road from our hotel. Lonesome George, a Giant Tortoise at the Research Station, had died just a few weeks prior to arrival.

← Galapagos

On July 6 we flew from Puerto Ayora to San Cristobal Island on a small plane shown here. I sat in the copilot's seat. There was only the one pilot.San Cristobal is the largest island in the Galapagos. If shown on this map, it would be to the west of Santa Cruz Island.The Galapagos National Park Store along the entryway to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island.The eye & head of the resting Giant Tortoise.
Another resting Giant Tortoise with its long outstretched neck.Baltra land Iguana at the Darwin Research Center in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos.Galapagos Land Iguana at the Darwin Research Center.Galapagos Land Iguana at the Darwin Research Center.
Close up - Galapagos Land Iguana at the Darwin Research Center.Galapagos Land Iguana at the Darwin Research Center.Land Iguana at the Darwin Research Center in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos.Story of the near extinction of the Baltra land Iguana
Story of the recovery of the land iguanas.Giant Tortoises resting in an enclosure at the Research Center.Resting Giant Tortoise with its long outstretched neck.Trail through the Charles Darwin Research Center
An overnight high tide and storm surge damaged the wooden deck.The night of July 5 was one of rain and violent seas. The waves ripped up the outer deck of the Red Mangrove Restaurant at our Lodge.On July 6 we flew from Puerto Ayora to San Cristobal Island on a small plane, that could not accommodate our heavier luggage.