Day 3: Visit to Charles Darwin Research Station and then getting on the Integrity Yacht

Today we bade farewell to the wonderful staff at the Galapagos Safari camp and descended from the highlands of Santa Cruz towards the coast.  Our destination was the Charles Darwin research station.  En route we stopped to inspect a new luxury lodge called Pikia which features an infinity pool with tremendous views to the eastern coast line, a top notch gourmet restaurant, and beautifully appointed rooms.  The common areas displayed wonderful local art and vibrant landscape paintings by Servio Zapata.  There was even a spa...oh la la.  

After a twenty minute drive we arrived at the coast and entered the research station where we learned about efforts to conserve and breed the Galapagos Tortoise which is a giant creature that can grow up to 2 meters and live over 150 years.  We learned that temperature determines the sex of the hatchlings much like other reptiles and that advances in DNA testing are allowing researchers to gain valuable insights into which island each tortoise species originated.

Next we cruised through the small town of Puerto Ayorra where we did some last minute shopping and then boarded a water taxi to the Finch Bay Hotel for a nice lunch by the pool.  After lunch we walked a short distance to Las Greitas, a local spot to swim in a crystal clear fresh water pool created by a cleft in the lava walls which rose up to over 50 feet above our heads.  It was a perfect time for a refreshing swim on a hot day.  

Seals welcomed us on the dock

In the late afternoon we were transferred by water taxi out to our gorgeous yacht, the Integrity, where we were welcomed onboard by our naturalist guide, Richard Polatty and a team of professional crew members.  Our spacious cabins feature 2 enormous picture windows that afford superb views, a sitting area, DVD and flat screen TV to watch wildlife documentaries, an en suite bathroom.  The yacht is over 140 feet with 8 cabins for 16 guests.  

The second floor features a dining room and lounge with bar.  The top deck has an open air bar, lounge area, and a jacuzzi.  There are 2 “pangas” (zodiac style rubber inflatable boats) to whisk us to shore each day.  Richard provided a safety briefing and orientation and then we settled in for a delicious fresh fish dinner. 

Next: Floreana Island: Pink Flamingos, Snorkeling, Post Office Bay & Human History