We started our day with an optional wake-up call to get to the top of Bartolome Island and see one of the most spectacular views in Galapagos. This Island is relatively small compared with the main ones, but its geological formations along the way are really impressive. As we were gaining altitude the view was better and better with every step up. At some point we had the impression of being inside the volcano, able to study and understand how these oceanic islands were formed.
Once at the top of Bartolome Island we got our price. The air temperature was very refreshing and there was no mist in the air, which made it possible to see over twenty Islands in the distance. From the top we also had the chance to see lots of parasitic cones, such as tuff cones, spatter cones, cinder cones, lava tunnels, and the rim of a sunken volcano.
The island itself is very dry and that is the reason its flora and fauna are relatively low in numbers, but most of its inhabitant are endemic to Galapagos.
After this early activity, our guests were already satisfied by their day in Galapagos, but we were far from ending our explorations.
We continued our morning expedition in one of the two golden beaches, with deep water snorkeling off the beach, good for both advanced and beginner snorkelers. Everyone had a wonderful time with sharks, sting rays, Galapagos penguins, and Galapagos sea lions, not to mention the amount of fish in this archipelago.
We continued our afternoon activity in Rabida Island with different activities, suitable for everyone. A group of kayakers were sent out first and they had a wonderful time exploring the coastline, which is covered with blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, pelicans, finches, mocking birds, and soaring frigate birds.
Along the same coastline we had deep-water snorkelers swimming next to white-tipped reef sharks, turtles, fish, and Galapagos fur seals, which are true sea lions.
We even had a chance to enter a cave with Galapagos sea lions. These playful marine mammals always are looking for excuses to play in the water, and this was another great opportunity. They found as much to enjoy as we did next to them!
The day was almost over, but soon after we found ourselves walking along a red sandy beach with a few dozen Galapagos sea lions. The light was golden, perfect for photographing Galapagos sea lions in full action. Minutes later, we were heading back aboard National Geographic Islander with no natural light from the sun, and it that seemed that the magic of Galapagos finally was coming to an end.
We are already looking forward for more action in the western part of Galapagos.
