We started before breakfast, this morning the sky was red and partly overcast; this visitors’ site is known as one of the most iconic images of the Galapagos archipelago. Once we were ashore, the walking was easy, as the National Park Service has built a boardwalk with stunning 388 steps, and handrail, all the way to the top! Bartholomew is a very dry and arid island; ash, cinder and pioneer plants dominate the landscape here.
At the top, the view is breathtaking! Two golden beaches opposite one another, green mangrove forest vegetation in the narrow center, the famous Pinnacle Rock and the island of Santiago looming in the background. It is a game of colors and contrast, out of an immense dark and relatively new lava flow, cones of different sizes stand out in beige, brown and red colors.
After breakfast we were once more gathered at the disembarkation door, ready for snorkeling. Five Zodiacs headed for deep water snorkeling, and we were delighted by many highlights: creole fish, parrotfish, damselfish, stingray, white-tipped reef sharks and even Galapagos penguins!
A beach landing was offered as well, and the tracks of the Pacific green see turtles were unmistakable—many eggs were laid just last night. For the rest of the morning, our guests enjoyed being at the beach or touring on board the glass-bottom boat, an option that allows you to see and learn about the underwater world of the Galapagos Islands, all without getting wet.
After an incredible outing in the morning, the afternoon was filled with activities. This time, I was in charge of giving a presentation on Charles Darwin and his visit to the Galapagos Islands on 1835. We also offered a pass-by of one of the Bainbridge Islets, where flamingoes were sighted, a great snorkeling excursion with penguins, and kayaking along the shore of Santiago, across from Sombrero Chino. Before sunset, we offered Zodiac rides along the shore, where penguins were spotted, but this time they were not in the water, they were standing on the rocks, posing for the cameras! The last beams of sun gave us an incredible sunset as it set over Santiago Island in the distance.
It was an awesome day, but it was not the end; after a great barbecue dinner, we could finally enjoy star gazing, a great opportunity to observe the Southern Cross and the Big Dipper at the same time! Then our photo instructor Christian Saa, a local musician as well, delighted all of us with music from his guitar, and songs from South America and all over the world. I was quite happy to see that several of our young explorers performed great songs, we greatly enjoyed their talents! What a way to end another day in paradise!
