Bartholomew & James Islands
We had an early morning wake-up call to visit Bartholomew Island for a walk to the top of the volcano to admire its beauty and the beauty of the surrounding land. Some of the best things about visiting Bartholomew are the landscape and the scientific values of the place. I call it “Geology 101” because the island is a paradise for geologists due to the different lava, volcanic ash, parasitic cones and craters. Another highlight of visiting this place is the Pinnacle Rock.
The ecology of the place is also something very important to pay attention to. This new island has very few organisms thriving, including lava lizards, snakes and very few plants. Here, in front of our eyes, we can see how a new ecosystem is formed with pioneer species like lava cactus that eventually are going to form the organic matter for new organisms to settle, and eventually thrive, forming a more complex ecosystem.
This place was complemented with an astonishing snorkeling site. We could see penguins, sharks, sea lions, rays, star fish and many more creatures, including octopus.
Late in the afternoon we anchored at a place named Puerto Egas on Santiago Island. On the way to the beach we encountered a group of storm petrels feeding next to our Zodiac. This place has two highlights: one is the snorkeling site, and the other is a trail that will lead you to the interior of the island and back along the shoreline at sunset.
The walk along the shoreline is just amazing, with a whole collection of organisms such as iguanas, fur sea lions, shore birds, sea birds, lava lizards and the landscape itself.
