Return From Isolte Tintoreras

With rising swell our dinghy captain does a great job navigating around them keeping us safe and dry.
Back Onboard

And it's time for our first snorkeling adventure. $25 per trip rental mask and fins are assigned as well as full lenght wet suits.
Late Breakfast

Conditions were not the best for snorkeling but I did see some Galápagos marine life
Ship Inspection

Possible or just onboard to verify passenger manifest.
Landing Isabela Island

A popular Galápagos destination with flights available from Baltra. However, it seems that most visitors arrive by boat.
Ok..People Keep Moving

Nothing to Sea Lion here.. Keep moving
Isabela..

An island with six volcanoes
Drive To Breeding Center..

Common transportation for us.. mini truck with extended cab
Gaint Tortoise Breeding Center

With a current population of over 1200 tortoises this center is a important part of perserving with makes the Galápagos so special and significant.
Dome Shell Tortoise

Are primarily naturally breed here. The tortoise here come from different parts of the island and are tagged accordingly.
Young Hearts Run Free..

But are the ones born here are not released into the wild until they are at least 5 yrs old. At that time they have a 75% survival rate.
Natural Breeding

That can take a while.. Slow and Steady
The Process

One female lays the eggs (6-14), Park Rangers protect them from predators for about 4 months. Eggs are removed from the ground to be incubated with the temperature regulated to determine the sex.
Even This Guy. .

Stays away from Manzanillos..Little Apples that are toxic for humans but safe for tortoises
The Young And Restless

Are protected at night with caged covering from natural predators like wild cats and rats
La Panadería...

Delicious selection of bread and local delights
Nautral Repellent Tree

For mosquitoes.. seed contains an oil that can be rubbed on the skin
Manzanillos...

About us close as you want to get uniess you want to be a Queen Chrystal
Trail To Breeding Center

Nice trail but with a lots of poison apples along the way
Don't Make Me Mad..

I already look angry.
Hammock Time

It's so hot even sea lions and in the shade waiting for some hammock time
A Morning Visit..

To Isabela and we are returning to the Golondrina for lunch with a planned return to Isabela this afternoon
A Delicious Fish Soup

And a white fish with peanut sauce. I'm loving it
Safety Demo...

Expected prior to sailing at less 6 hours the nighr before which I survived with no safety concerns.
Afternoon Showers

Steaming hot but "Garden Hose" style