San Cristobal Island
We all woke up this morning in high spirits, eager to explore San Cristobal Island. Our last full day in our expedition around the magical Galápagos Archipelago started with an invigorating hike to the summit of a volcanic plateau at Punta Pitt.
The first part of the hike to the plateau is considered a strenuous one, for we have to climb up a very old eroded ridge, but once at the top the extraordinary view is breathtaking. Further along the trail it is possible to admire a surreal volcanic landscape with large patches of bright red carpetweed (Sesuvium spp) and green patches of nolana (Nolana galapaguensis), both succulent plants, and several patches of the rather dull, in comparison, gray mat plants (Tiquilia spp.), creating together with the golden ochre yellow of the surroundings a colorful and impressive mosaic that is hard to describe with words.
We had the option to go for Zodiac rides instead of the hike as well. Many seabirds were seen, including the colorful red footed boobies, on the volcanic rocky outcrops of the coastline and surrounding islets.
After the hike or the Zodiac ride we had the wonderful opportunities to go in the water for a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean or just to spend time on the beach relaxing or sunbathing. A large group of Galápagos sea lions call this beach their home; they were admired and photographed. Curious San Cristobal mockingbirds and inquisitive San Cristobal lava lizards were seen all over as well.
After this successful morning, and during lunch, we sailed towards Leon Dormido or “Kicker Rock.” This magnificent offshore eroded volcanic tuff cone, located on the western coast of San Cristobal Island, is one the most-well known volcanic trademarks of the Galápagos and one of the most photographed as well.
We had a couple of activities: a big group of snorkel enthusiasts jumped in the water at the base of the huge cliffs of Kicker Rock to be part of a spectacular snorkeling outing among many colorful schools of fish, dozens of sea turtles and occasional curious sharks. Once the snorkelers came back on board, we enjoyed a great late afternoon with a toast of champagne on the foredeck of the ship while circumnavigating Kicker Rock. Around dinner time we arrived to our final anchorage in front of the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, political capital of the Galápagos Islands.
The expedition this week around the magical Galápagos Islands has come to an end, but hopefully all the passion, admiration and love that this enchanted group of islands has evoked in in our visitors hearts and minds will be part of their lives forever.
