SANTA CRUZ
The marine life here is quite unique, with the convergence of three main ocean currents you get huge variation in ocean temperature and this gives rise to a rich marine environment.
This we discovered on the last day on the island, when we went on a scuba dive to Kicker Rock, a large volcanic rock split in two sticking out of the sea, just off the island of San Cristobal.
We saw Hammer Head sharks, black tipper sharks all circling above us and numerous White Tip and Galapagos sharks and of course sea turtles and even marine iguana feeding off the algae on the sea bed. It was a spectacular dive.
From San Cristobal we headed 40 miles to Santa Cruz the main commercial island of the Galapagos group. The anchorage here is not ideal – very roly-poly and open to most winds. We intend to spend only a few days here before moving off to the jewel in the crown, Isabela.
Most tours run from this anchorage so you have lots of large tourist boats offering their wares.
Yesterday we took the opportunity to visit Floreana , an island about 40 miles south of Santa Cruz. Because of the national park rules we aren’t allowed to go in our own boat so we went on a small charter boat – small being the word. It was only about 28ft long and was powered by two 100hp outboards. There were 18 passengers on board (of which half were sick)for the 3 hour trip to the island. Not the most enjoyable trip, especially as we had to go back again. The whole thing would have been a complete waste of money if it wasn’t for the snorkelling, which we did off one of the beaches.
There was a large sea lion community living there and we spent an awesome time swimming with them. The little ones are very inquisitive and come right up to your mask to eyeball you with their beautiful big doe eyes. You could easily put your hand out and touch them. They are truly beautiful animals…as long as they are not on the transom or cockpit!!!
