Perhaps the first thing that comes to peoples' minds when you mention the Galapagos
 is the giant land tortoises.

The Darwin Center on Santa Cruz was the pioneer location for the preservation of the Giant Tortoises. The tortoises have been decimated over the centuries by introduced species in the Galapagos; and being used by sailors as a protein source and loaded by the hundreds into ships' holds. Scientific name: geochelome elephantopus.

We decided to take a local boat and stay in a hotel to tour the area around Santa Cruz Island. (Tony's Photo) Little did we know that it would be about 40 miles in a small open boat to get to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz. Additionally, a bus ride across the island and another boat ride to Santiago Island would be part of the adventure!

Puerto Ayora was very attractive. They were set up for tourists here and there were many restaurants and shops. These prickly pear cactus is the dietary mainstay of many Galapagos animal including tortoises.

We were put up in one of the best hotels on Santa Cruz. What we didn't understand was that we needed to order hot water for showers in advance. Michael and Michelle kept the lights on all night to keep the cockroaches away from them. Fortunately, we didn't have those problems in our room (and if you believe that, I'll tell you another story!).

Their "restaurant row" was particularly interesting with many small establishments... Including an ice cream "parlor." A special treat for people who live on a sail boat!

These golden land iguanas are unique to Santa Cruz Island. (right) Isn't this coloration remarkable? Their scientific name is: conolophus subcristatus. This trip was so special! For those who constantly marvel at nature's varied and intriguing displays a trip to the Galapagos is a must.

At the Darwin Center each baby tortoise is numbered and catalogued. (left) The babies will not be let loose in the wild until they are large enough to survive. Most of these babies are hatched from eggs either laid by females in the center or gathered in the wild by local people who might find them and bring them into the center for protection.

Bartolome Island (right) has been developed to keep visitors from destroying the fragile volcanic environment. This is a lava cactus (Brachycereus nesioticus) in the foreground. (right)

This is a lichen (left) that can sustain itself on the moonlike surface of Bartolome.

This is another of the handful of plants that can live in this volcanic environment. (right) Over many eons the surface will be broken down and an organic topsoil will form to support more diverse plant and animal life.

This female lava lizard (left) seems to be pretty happy living on the "moonscape!"  Scientific species: tropidurus.

After hiking to the top of the volcano on Bartolome Island we are rewarded with this fabulous view! We later went swimming in this little bay and some of the swimmers saw some turtles. I also saw some iguanas swimming.  Across the water is Santiago Island.

These birds fascinate me. I've never seen a living creature that was blue before. Scientific name: sula nebouxii.

The boobies on our left are displaying mating behavior.  I guess their bubby on the right could be classified as a bit of a voyeur. (right)

Do you think that this appearance inspired the name "booby?"

These penguins were pretty interesting too. We saw a few babies in the area as well. These are called Galapagos Penguins and are permanent residents of the Galapagos. Scientific name: spheniscus mendiculus.

These red crabs are all over the place. They are called "Sally Lightfoot!" Scientific name: grapsus grapsus. Their colors are pretty attractive! 

This guy also had to crawl into my web site!  I guess you could say that my web site has crabs!

The last island we visited in the Galapagos was Isabella. (left)  We were able to take Quest into a safe anchorage and explore ashore. It was loaded with with visual treats!

Next to Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island is an attractive dock and beach. (right)

Scott says that I don't take enough photos of people. Here's a good shot of picking nits and talking on the cell phone.

The little girl with her purse, the boy with his bike - like kids everywhere!

More shots of little kids on the street having a snack! The blue in the windows are screens to keep out the biting insects. Surprisingly, the installation of screens in windows is a major health benefit and increases infant mortality dramatically.

The tortoise breeding center on Isabella was the best we'd seen.

One of the main reasons we went to Isabella (besides the fact that it was in a line to the Gambiers) was to see the flamingos. The number of flamingos we saw was a bit underwhelming, but because of all the other treats (dozens of penguins, hundreds of sea iguanas, leaping seals!) we were truly happy we made the stop. These are called the greater flamingo (phoenicopterus ruber).

We saw lots of penguins around the anchorage at Isabella. Scientific name: spheniscus mendiculus.

We saw so many penguins I couldn't choose a "best one!"

The sea lions were jumping all around our dinghy.  We were just taking a little "chardonnay" cruise around the anchorage at Isabella.

Frigate birds (right)  were roosting for the night. These are called the magnificent frigate (fregata magnificens).

We saw hundreds of marine iguanas nearby. Scientific name: amblyrhynchus cristatus.(left)

That night at anchor in Isabella we received a special treat. (right)  This was our last anchorage until reaching the Gambier Islands 18 days later. Besides Scott and myself we had Michelle and Michael on board the Quest.