Galapagos - a prime example of environmental protection and sustainable tourism
Sea lions everywhere - a peaceful coexistence with humans
Snorkeling with hammerhead sharks - simply amazing
After our cruise, we spend a few days on the island of San Cristóbal, one of the easternmost and oldest islands. We take the fast ferry from Santa Cruz. The boat makes the most of its horsepower and the crossing is completed in just under 2 hours. When shopping in the supermarket, it is the same as on Santa Cruz, there are no plastic bags. The Galapagos Islands are an exception in all of South America; here, waste separation and resource conservation are also very important.
Puerto Baquerizo is not only the capital of San Cristóbal, but also of the entire Galapagos archipelago. Nevertheless, only around 10,000 people live here. Everything is within walking distance, there are very good cafes. Locally produced coffee is often sold. And we also find delicious bakeries. A place to feel good. The next morning we go on an island tour, to be precise, we drive with our driver Francis along the only road on the island, from southwest to southeast. Along the route through the highlands we pass the Laguna El Junco, the largest freshwater reservoir in the archipelago. Not a scenic highlight, but beautiful and of course essential for the islanders. From there we can also see the wind farm, which covers around 40% of the island's energy needs; it consists of 3 wind turbines. The rest comes from solar and fossil energy.
Francis is in his mid-40s and already a grandfather, he says. Not uncommon on the Galapagos. People usually have children by the time they reach their early 20s, sometimes even at the age of 15 - almost when they finish school. The families here - as is often the case in South America - are very large. Especially in the past, up until the 1970s, families often had more than 10 children. Television only came later on the Galapagos Islands :-)
Incidentally, San Cristóbal is one of the few islands where there are no land iguanas. However, the island has the largest population of sea lions in the archipelago. When we stop at El Chino beach, we see masses of them. They lie around literally everywhere - on jetties, wooden benches and of course on the beach. They also seek shade during the day. Like all animals here, they are not afraid of people. On land we make room for them, in the water they swim around us curiously and playfully. They have a lot of fun! And so do we, of course. Our second beach stop takes us to the Loberia. As the name suggests (lobo is the Spanish word for sea lion), it is also populated by sea lions. Here, too, we are amazed by the underwater world. Turtles, starfish, colorful fish, sea snakes and so on. What a show. We already know that we will return to the Galapagos Islands - with a diving license.
Micha goes on a day trip to Kicker Rock; you can supposedly see hammerhead sharks there. And he did see them - but unfortunately 20 meters below him. So not a good experience for snorkelers, unless you are an excellent freediver. Incidentally, this is the only trip we have done separately so far. A 6-hour boat tour without a beach stop makes no sense with Diego, especially since the activities are not cheap. We spend the day relaxing on the beach. The next day we are out together again and explore another snorkeling spot - Playa Tijeritas. Another highlight! 70% of the Galapagos must-sees are underwater.
We are absolutely thrilled with the Galapagos Islands; no matter what we have heard or imagined before, it is simply much better! It is not just a group of islands, but
a place where the animals have not developed a fear of humans, as the islands were uninhabited for millions of years.
a place of peaceful coexistence and respect. Sea lion mothers leave their babies alone on the beach, right next to people. Birds do not fly away as soon as you approach, turtles swim with us as if you were one of them, marine iguanas simply refuse to give up their place in the sun, even if it is in the middle of the road. Why can't it be like this everywhere?
a place of science. Darwin shaped a new way of understanding life and evolution here. Countless endemic species have emerged here, often with different subspecies on the individual islands.
a place of slowing down. Only 3% of the area is inhabited, many places can only be reached by water. You will look in vain for rental cars and hotel bunkers here. There is also no crime here. Everyone has a job, is relaxed and proud to be able to live here.
Galapagos - we love you!
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