Located along the southern coast of Santiago Island, Bartolome and Rabida are unique and known for their unique attractions and natural history. We headed north to arrive at Bartolome Island. It was early in the morning when we started our activities, disembarking on a small dock and climbing up a boardwalk and stairway to the summit of this barren volcanic island. We observed interesting geological features – spatter and cinder cones and lava tubes – and a few species of pioneering plants. The view was wonderful and it was possible to observe many of the largest islands such as Isabela, Santa Cruz, Santiago and Pinzon.
After breakfast we returned to Bartolome, but this time headed to the beach, snorkeling along the rocky shoreline in clear warm water and thoroughly enjoyed the outing. Swimming from the foot of Pinnacle Rock, the geological formation looked gigantic, and it was easy to imagine its original formation when it was part of a caldera of a very active volcano. We observed some sea lions resting on the rocks, while in the ocean many different species of colorful fish and Galapagos and white tipped reef sharks captivated the attention of our guests.
Back on board at noon we had a delicious Ecuadorian buffet lunch! Afterwards, as soon we got to Rabida Island, our guests had the chance to kayak and snorkel along the calm and clear waters. I was with the first group of snorkelers and we checked the direction of the currents then we began to discover an incredible underwater world including a huge school of razor surgeon fish and king angel fish. Along the deepest part some white tipped reef sharks rested on the sandy bottom and just behind them garden eels showed us their long bodies and big eyes, hiding inside their holes when we approached too close to them. We moved along the shallows where a sea turtle was feeding on algae. Its tameness captivated us and it was possible to observe its underparts and its entire shell closely.
We returned to the ship and afterward we disembarked on the red beach for a sunset walk. The late afternoon light was lovely and we were delighted by a flock of juvenile pelicans trying to catch some fish from the beach. It was a beautiful sunset and we had the surprise of a flamingo flying over our heads and landing on the small lagoon behind the red beach. We followed it, observing its pink plumage and its incredible way of feeding on shrimp, moving its beak many times per second like a machine in order to devour its food.
Of course it was late when we finally we arrived back onboard the National Geographic Islander, tired but happy after an incredible day with unique creatures that we will remember forever.
