The Endeavour

We flew from Guayaquil early in the morning to the island of Baltra in the Galapagos where we took a short bus ride to the dock to board the zodiacs for a trip out to the mother ship the Endeavour.  As we arrived at the ship we were greeted by Pelicans and blue footed boobies.  After briefings and introductions we were served lunch while we sailed towards our first stop on our journey Las Bachas on Santa Cruz.  The ship anchored out and we were introduced to our first wet landing. Dipping our legs in the warm clear water was very pleasant.  Stepping onto the sandy beach the camera were at the ready. Sally light foot crabs sunned themselves on the lava rocks and Pelicans and frigate birds entertained us.  Devided into small groups naturalists took us on fascinating tours of the area.  We were thrilled to see the multitude of turtle tracts leading to their nests.  This is a huge nesting ground with about 5% of the offspring surviving which is why so many eggs are laid.  We even saw an egg hatch only to be snatched up by a waiting heron.  Was very cool how the bird knew the egg was going to hatch and waited it out.  A brackish lagoon on the island was home to some very tall flamingos as well as a few iguanas. 

Sally light foot crab

Nesting turtle tracts

Hatched egg

Pelican with bird trying to steal its food

The Endeavour