Today we enjoyed a combination of walking, Zodiac cruising, swimming, and snorkeling activities in the central part of the archipelago; Bartolomé and Sombrero Chino are few of the lovely volcanic islets just off the east coast of Santiago Island.
We started a splendid hike up the stairs of Bartolomé Island early in the morning. It was cloudy with a soft breeze, perfect to walk and enjoy a unique volcanic landscape made of rust-colored spatter cones, tuff cones, and sooty lava flows, where the action of erosion over time has created graceful features in the soft volcanic ash. Along the wooden steps we observed colorful lava lizards and endemic pioneer plants. As soon as we arrived at the summit of Bartolomé, the great view of the Pinnacle Rock made it worth walking all the way up. The way down was just perfect for watching Galápagos penguins fishing in feeding frenzy while on the rocks nearby brown noddy terns and pelicans observed them.
After breakfast we headed back to Bartolomé, but this time to practice snorkeling and swimming from the golden beach of the island. We couldn’t wait to get into the water and enjoy a wonderful experience with curious penguins, colorful reef fish, and playful sea lions.
In the afternoon, National Geographic Endeavour dropped anchor just in front of Sombrero Chino Island. From the distance we observed its conical shape, the reason for its name: “Chinese Hat”. Just beside, Santiago Island looked gigantic with its spectacular black lava field, the result of the last eruption occurred in 1897. Our first outing in the afternoon began snorkeling along the channel that separates the two Islands; water was very clear and warm.
The first great attraction was a group of white tipped reef sharks swimming indifferently close to us. We were drifted by the currents observing many different species of colorful fish such as king angelfish, salemas, parrotfish, cardinal fish, and some sting rays hiding their bodies under the sandy floor.
After a short period of time in the water, we observed a group of marine iguanas warming their wet bodies on the rocks; when we approached to them, we observed other iguanas feeding on algae underwater. It was unbelievable to observe a reptile foraging in the ocean, going more than 7 minutes with no breathing. Almost finishing the snorkeling, a group of penguins approached us swimming very fast like torpedoes, trying to catch small salemas. They crossed beside us with no fear, showing us their small bodies and some fish in their bills.
Our day finished riding the Zodiacs along the seashore of Sombrero Chino, observing a spectacular sunset, and reflecting on all the incredible creatures that made this day unforgettable.
