Queen of the Galapagos Catamaran
Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Station
The Charles Darwin Research Station is home to turtles ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long. Sub-species of turtles interact with one another and many of the older turtles are accustomed to humans, stretching out their heads for a pet. The babies are kept until they are about four years old and strong enough to survive on their own.
| Highlights: |
Giant Tortoises in captivation |
| Activities: |
Walking |
| Type of Landing: |
Dry landing |
| Difficulty: |
Easy |
Santa Cruz Island
Home to the largest town in the Galapagos, Puerto Ayora, the Island has a large variety of vegetation. Pit craters, Scalesia Forest, cacti and ferns are found in its vegetation zones. The island is comprised of a younger part formed by volcanic cones and lava and an older narrow strip of land formed by uplifted lava flows and tuffs.
| Fast Facts: |
Visitor sites*: |
- Santa Cruz is the only island with six different vegetation zones.
- Animals: Giant Tortoises, land and marine iguanas, variety of birds
- Area: 380 sq. mi
- Highest Point: 2,834 ft
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Charles Darwin Research Station - Santa Cruz Island
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