Bartolome and Santiago Islands
We were visiting today the central area of the archipelago. Early in the morning we started climbing the steps of Bartolome; along the way we observed several geological features and some of the pioneer plants that have successfully colonized its extensive lava flows. One of most beautiful views on the entire archipelago can be seen from the summit of Bartolome and since the morning was nice, clear and sunny, we were able to see several islands at the distance.
After breakfast, we returned to Bartolome and found for the first time some Galápagos penguins resting on rocks while some of our guests snorkeled around the same area. One of the highlights was to see some of the white tipped reef sharks. They were swimming very close to the shore line while we watched them with curiosity, just a couple of feet away.
For the afternoon we went to Puerto Egas on Santiago Island. The calm seas here looked very inviting for snorkeling; those who went into the water had a great time and found sea turtles, lots of fish, sea lions, and great diversity of marine invertebrates.Once on the walk, we spotted several whales from the shore line. These whales were later identified as Sei and Bryde’s whales, feeding in the same area since a large red mass of krill was found, as well. This special and rare opportunity to observe this type of marine mammals was overwhelming for both guests and naturalists. We can say that we were at the right place at the right time, and it really made us feel so happy just to be able to share those wonderful moments with these emblematic animals of the seas.
We were visiting today the central area of the archipelago. Early in the morning we started climbing the steps of Bartolome; along the way we observed several geological features and some of the pioneer plants that have successfully colonized its extensive lava flows. One of most beautiful views on the entire archipelago can be seen from the summit of Bartolome and since the morning was nice, clear and sunny, we were able to see several islands at the distance.
After breakfast, we returned to Bartolome and found for the first time some Galápagos penguins resting on rocks while some of our guests snorkeled around the same area. One of the highlights was to see some of the white tipped reef sharks. They were swimming very close to the shore line while we watched them with curiosity, just a couple of feet away.
For the afternoon we went to Puerto Egas on Santiago Island. The calm seas here looked very inviting for snorkeling; those who went into the water had a great time and found sea turtles, lots of fish, sea lions, and great diversity of marine invertebrates.Once on the walk, we spotted several whales from the shore line. These whales were later identified as Sei and Bryde’s whales, feeding in the same area since a large red mass of krill was found, as well. This special and rare opportunity to observe this type of marine mammals was overwhelming for both guests and naturalists. We can say that we were at the right place at the right time, and it really made us feel so happy just to be able to share those wonderful moments with these emblematic animals of the seas.
