Sombrero Chino and Sullivan’s Bay
Today we started our day anchored next to seven small islets known as Bain Bridges. Shortly after breakfast we lowered our Zodiacs and got ready to explore the surrounding area. Our main attraction was a cinder cone with an interesting shape that gave it its name, Sombrero Chino. As we arrived at the lava rocks, shore birds such as striated herons and a Galápagos hawk looked deep in concentration on the rocks as they were hunting their prey out of the crevices. The tide was very low due the new moon that day, revealing rocks covered with green algae. Marine iguanas were taking advantage of the situation, they’ll not have the need to dive to feed on the only source of food; ulva algae.
Once back on board the National Geographic Islander, we got everything ready in order to see what one of the largest marine reserves of the world was about to show us. Deep water snorkeling was great; we had a perfect combination of clear waters and incredible underwater activity. Schools of razor surgeon fish were cruising among parrot fish that were feeding on patches of coral. A few penguins were spotted flying underwater like small torpedoes. After this enjoyable experience, we got ready to see one of the Bainbridge Islands while circumnavigating around it.
After lunch, we pulled anchor and started navigating to our next destination. In the afternoon we landed on the lava fields of Sullivan Bay. This place was the result of the very last volcanic eruption reported on Santiago in 1897. Since the very beginning the rocks and the way lava was found was completely interesting, just like walking through a geology text book. Pahoe-hoe lava, Ah-ah lava, driblets, and cinder cones are found in this site giving the chance to learn and imagine how this area was formed just 115 years ago.
After our hike, on our way back to the National Geographic Islander we got the chance to see penguins heading back to their residences made by small lava tubes on the Coast of Bartolomé Island. Same as us heading back home, getting ready for another day fulfilled with new experiences in this magical place.
