It is the second day of our voyage in the Galapagos Islands. The volcanic landscape and unique species well adapted to the droughtiness of the environment seem unreal.
Today our first outing was an early walk on the flanks of Bartolome Island. Every breath taken away by the steps was rewarded after we reached the summit of the island. The pristine landscape and the remarkable landmark of “pinnacle rock” transported us to another time, as if the islands just emerged from the ocean bottom.
After breakfast all our guests joined us for snorkeling and leisure at the golden beach. Many of our guests experienced snorkeling for the first time and the peaceful beach was a great place for them to improve their swimming skills. Experienced snorkelers swam away from the beach to encounter a mosaic of fish, Galapagos penguins and white tip reef sharks.
In the afternoon the NG Islander weighed anchor and headed to Rabida Island. Snorkeling, kayaking and hiking were the different options offered on the terracotta island. The crystal clear water of the coastline was astonishing and we were able to see different kinds of fish as well as sharks, rays and marine iguanas that were eating algae in the intertidal zone. Kayakers explored the calm coastline looking at blue-footed boobies, pelicans and Galapagos hawks perched on the vegetation and rocks. Late in the afternoon, eager to know more about this unique place, we headed to the beach for a walk. We had close encounters with sea lions and shore birds on the red sandy beach.
The unique native animals and the unforgettable sunset at the end of the day left us awestruck and keen to know more about this incomparable Archipelago.