We arrived early morning at Bartolome (named after Bartholomew Sullivan, 2nd lieutenant on the HMS Beagle), a lovely volcanic islet just off the east coast of Santiago Island which is the fourth largest of the Galapagos Islands.  It is found in the rain shadow of the larger islands of Santiago and Santa Cruz where few plant species can withstand the drought conditions that occur here.  It’s a volcanic moonscape of rust-colored "spatter cones" contrasts with large pale tuff cones and sooty lava flows, where erosion over time has created graceful features in the soft volcanic ash.

We reached the top of the island and enjoyed an incredible view from this iconic island.

We went back on board for breakfast and also to get ready for another activity that will take place from the beautiful golden beach. The underwater life here is spectacular!  From swimming with white tip-reef sharks to penguins, many creatures congregated here and made this place even more interesting.  We also saw many different types of sea stars, some of incredible size and color.  It was also exciting to see the big schools of large and small fish of all colors and shapes.  It was a wonderful morning.

After further navigation we arrived at the island of Rabida where we were ready to have some more fun.  Some chose to go kayaking along the coast of the island where meeting wildlife was so easy-iguanas basking in the sun, crabs all over the rocks, pelicans, boobies diving, and even turtles poking their heads out of the water for air.  It was incredible!

Another group decided to go in the water for some deep water snorkeling and so did I.  it was so good to see marine iguanas grazing on algae off the rocks below the surface, sea turtles doing the same not too far away, big schools of fish swimming around, and more!  It was unforgettable.

Later on in the afternoon we disembarked on the island’s red beach to be welcomed by sea lions resting on the beach or lying on the sand taking a break after diving for fish.  There were so many great photo opportunities.

The beautiful sunset was a perfect way to end the day in the Galapagos.