Bartolome and Santiago Islands
This was the first full day in the islands for the group of eager and willing guests that are on board the M.S. Islander this week. And what a marvelous day we have had! I am delighted to be back on the ship myself after five weeks off and was thrilled to discover that the weather continues to be absolutely perfect in “las islas encantadas.” June is the transition season, between the hot rainy months of January to May and the cooler, garua season of July through October. Today we had blue skies with some high clouds, warm sun and a cool breeze: just perfect!
We began the day with an optional, early hike to the summit of Bartolome islet. From the top there is a spectacular view across the ocean to the expansive and young lava fields of Santiago Island. This morning the contrast of the golden crescent beach, glossy green mangroves, sparkling blue ocean, and black lava flows with several deep red spatter cones that jut out of the dark lava fields could not have been more glorious.
After breakfast and a frenzy of wet suit and snorkel gear fitting, we headed to the golden beach for a quick walk. We found herons and crabs on the beach and sharks in the shallow. We then swam off to snorkel around the base of pinnacle rock. Most of us took to the sport of snorkeling with very little trouble and saw many colorful fish. Back on board we indulged in a delicious buffet lunch, a well-earned siesta and then attended a presentation where I tried to explain what it is that makes Galápagos such a fabulous place…forget the slides and explanations – out we went again at 3:30 p.m. to see for ourselves!
The afternoon walk at Puerto Egas was, if possible, even more interesting and exciting than our perfect morning. We had options of a quick nature walk and snorkeling or a more leisurely naturalist-led walk. Many of us were practically overwhelmed by the number and variety of animals and birds we spotted along the lovely eroded coastal trail that we followed. Some of the afternoon highlights were the friendly and plentiful sea lion: resting, swimming, suckling and even chasing us. We watched an amorous pair of bright red sally light foot crabs mating – well, at least trying to mate. There were more marine iguanas to photograph and contemplate than we could ever have hoped to see. Near the end of the trail we located several fur seal and there was a sea turtle gracefully gliding in the turquoise lava grottos. As the sun set in a glow of orange and pink behind the volcanoes of Isabela Island to the west, we toasted with anticipation the upcoming experiences in the days ahead.
This was the first full day in the islands for the group of eager and willing guests that are on board the M.S. Islander this week. And what a marvelous day we have had! I am delighted to be back on the ship myself after five weeks off and was thrilled to discover that the weather continues to be absolutely perfect in “las islas encantadas.” June is the transition season, between the hot rainy months of January to May and the cooler, garua season of July through October. Today we had blue skies with some high clouds, warm sun and a cool breeze: just perfect!
We began the day with an optional, early hike to the summit of Bartolome islet. From the top there is a spectacular view across the ocean to the expansive and young lava fields of Santiago Island. This morning the contrast of the golden crescent beach, glossy green mangroves, sparkling blue ocean, and black lava flows with several deep red spatter cones that jut out of the dark lava fields could not have been more glorious.
After breakfast and a frenzy of wet suit and snorkel gear fitting, we headed to the golden beach for a quick walk. We found herons and crabs on the beach and sharks in the shallow. We then swam off to snorkel around the base of pinnacle rock. Most of us took to the sport of snorkeling with very little trouble and saw many colorful fish. Back on board we indulged in a delicious buffet lunch, a well-earned siesta and then attended a presentation where I tried to explain what it is that makes Galápagos such a fabulous place…forget the slides and explanations – out we went again at 3:30 p.m. to see for ourselves!
The afternoon walk at Puerto Egas was, if possible, even more interesting and exciting than our perfect morning. We had options of a quick nature walk and snorkeling or a more leisurely naturalist-led walk. Many of us were practically overwhelmed by the number and variety of animals and birds we spotted along the lovely eroded coastal trail that we followed. Some of the afternoon highlights were the friendly and plentiful sea lion: resting, swimming, suckling and even chasing us. We watched an amorous pair of bright red sally light foot crabs mating – well, at least trying to mate. There were more marine iguanas to photograph and contemplate than we could ever have hoped to see. Near the end of the trail we located several fur seal and there was a sea turtle gracefully gliding in the turquoise lava grottos. As the sun set in a glow of orange and pink behind the volcanoes of Isabela Island to the west, we toasted with anticipation the upcoming experiences in the days ahead.
