We remained anchored last night until about 0300 and then navigated in calm waters westward to drop our anchor just before dawn this time near the large central island of Santiago. I made a 0600 early optional wakeup call for those who wished to climb to the summit of the barren volcanic islet of Bartolome before breakfast and more importantly, before the day heated up. The early light and clouds were lovely and we enjoyed learning about these oceanic volcanic islands as we climbed a boardwalk and stairs that were built to protect the fragile terrain. The panoramic view from the top was definitely worth every breath it took us to make the climb!
After a delicious and well deserved breakfast we wiggled into our wetsuits and boarded the Zodiacs for snorkeling outings to either a gorgeous golden beach or the deeper waters off shore. Walter helped those of us new to the sport to try out our snorkeling equipment and practice in the shallows. Lynn and Enrique took a Zodiac each full of experienced guests and we had an incredible, long snorkeling outing. The water was warm – in the upper 70’s – and clear, and we swam among big schools of myriad species of colorful fish, at least 10 white-tipped reef sharks, diamond and marbled sting rays, several sea lions and even a couple of penguins! We snorkeled for over an hour and returned to the ship with smiles on all our faces.
After quick showers we joined our photo instructor Jonathan in the lounge for an educational half hour talk about taking nature photos here in the Galapagos. At noon hotel manager Daniel announced that lunch was ready and what a gorgeous buffet meal the chefs had prepared for us! There were Ecuadorian dishes from all over the country and many new items for us to sample and taste. A siesta followed and we welcomed the chance to rest while the ship navigated on a rolling, following sea to our afternoon visitor’s site at the red island of Rabida.
We sent an eager group of guests kayaking and paddle boarding with Enrique, others went snorkeling with Lynn and Walter and Jonathan took a group for a walk along the beach. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed these varied afternoon outings! The paddlers saw pelicans, sea lions and sea turtles as they went slowly along the coast. The snorkeling was again fabulous! We saw more white-tipped reef sharks and fish of all descriptions including huge hieroglyphic hawk fish, poisonous stone scorpion fish and large schools of yellow tailed razor fish feeding on marine algae. On the beach Jonathan pointed out the land birds and talked about the resting sea lions and pelicans that were just completing their nesting cycle. After the water sports our “do-it-all guests” disembarked with Enrique and Walter and also strolled along the beach in the golden light of the late afternoon.
