In the early morning at sunrise we visited Bartolomé Island. We had a great time climbing up the flanks of the main volcano of this small island. It is just lava and volcanic ash with some hardy pioneer plants growing here and there. These organisms are the showcases of the process of colonization on a barren island.
At mid-morning we explored another place on the same island. This time we paid a visit to the beach and the marine life of the shallow shore. Tropical fish are abundant; the water at this time is a little cold but still enjoyable. While snorkeling we had the opportunity to spot myriads of tropical fish, some sharks and even eels.
The second destination was a little islet called Sombrero Chino due to its particular shape. This volcano is young in the archipelago, therefore vegetation is at the very beginning of the colonization process. The wildlife in this place is superb! Just think of a combination of creatures from cool regions like penguins and sea lions and on the other hand snakes, lizards and cactuses from the desert.
Galapagos penguins made our day! We saw them foraging at the snorkeling site. Later on we explored the place from the Zodiacs. It was an amazing opportunity to photograph the penguins on the shore. These birds are the only type of penguin that entirely lives in the tropical Galapagos.
Great day!
