This time of the year Galapagos is facing the warmest and calmest seas. It means the water temperature is mid-seventies to about eighty. That is the main reason we start our day before breakfast, at that time of the day the air temperature is cooler and the tropical sun colors are more vivid. Our first activity consisted of hiking to the top of Bartolomé Island, the reward was one of most majestic views in this archipelago. Bartolomé Island is like going back in time, because from here we can see colonization in progress right in front of our eyes. Its spatter, tuff cones, and fresh lava flows beautify the surrounded area.
For this activity we offered two different versions, those that wanted to go a bit faster went first, all the way to the top. Those wanting to go to a more moderate pace were next, but the mission was the same – to get to the top to enjoy and learn about the geology of this marvelous visitor’s site.
After a much deserved breakfast we rested for a little while and then disembarked on a half-moon shaped golden beach covered with ghost crabs. As soon as we disembarked almost everyone went for snorkeling with Galapagos penguins, reef sharks, rays and over thirty different species of fish. Before coming back onboard after our morning activity, everyone had an opportunity to sunbathe in the Galapagos sun. All those activities were also combined with the glass bottom boat for those interested in learning the different names of our Galapagos fish.
Over lunch we sailed about two hours to continue our adventure at Sombrero Chino Bay, but before we dropped anchor we passed by a very eroded tuff cone with the National Geographic Endeavour, inside the caldera were fourteen flamingos, a wonderful sighting.
For the afternoon we went snorkeling inside Sombrero Chino Bay. This snorkeling site has a white, sandy beach bottom that reflects the light to beautify everything around us. It was another great snorkeling opportunity with sharks, rays, marine iguanas, penguins and lots of fish as well. We had an extra Zodiac ride activity in the same location to enjoy and photograph the only penguin that lives in the north hemisphere in wild conditions.
