A volcanic moonscape of rust-colored spatter cones contrast with large light brown tuff cones and young lava flows, no older than 100 years. Pioneer plants inhabiting these new flows astonished us during our splendid hike up the stairs of Bartolome Island early this morning.
In the morning, the National Geographic Endeavour found anchorage in the calm bay of Bartolome Island. This 1.2 km² island is named after naturalist Sir Bartholomew James Sullivan, who was a lieutenant aboard HMS Beagle. This island is an exciting site for geologists, due to the several geological features found in the area.
Over time, the action of erosion has created bizarre features on the soft volcanic ash, giving life to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the archipelago. Because the island is also in the rain shadow of the larger island of Santa Cruz, few plant species can withstand the drought conditions that occur here, creating a perfect scenic environment to track the arrival and establishment of the different species found in the Galapagos Islands.
Today we enjoyed a combination of hiking, swimming, snorkeling and Zodiac riding. After breakfast, we headed back to Bartolome, but this time to snorkel and swim from the golden beach of the island around Pinnacle Rock. We couldn’t wait to get into the water and enjoy a wonderful experience with sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, colorful reef fish and playful sea lions.
In the afternoon, the National Geographic Endeavour dropped anchor just in front of Sombrero Chino Island, otherwise known as Chinese Hat. Our first outing in the afternoon was snorkeling along the channel that separates the islands of Santiago and Chinese Hat. White-tipped reef sharks and eagle rays swimming indifferently close to us were a big attraction. We were drifted by the currents, observing many different species of colorful fish such as king angel fish, salemas, parrot fish and some sting rays hiding under the sandy floor.
We ended our day with Zodiac rides along the sea shore of Sombrero Chino, observing a spectacular sunset. It has been another excellent day in the Galapagos, and we are excited to see what tomorrow has in store for us.
