Chinese Hat & Sullivan Bay
Today we are in the center of the archipelago at Santiago Island getting ready for the Zodiac ride, after a substantial breakfast to fill our energy needs. We will have a Zodiac ride along the shore of Santiago Island and a smaller island, Chinese Hat, which is a Tuff Cone volcanic formation.
While we are in the Zodiac exploring the shore looking for birds, among the lava rocks we find some marine iguanas swimming and diving to find their algae for food. The contrast between black rocks and blue water makes this place a unique combination. Then, we got to find some Galapagos Penguins that got very close to us. What a moment! Heading back to the National Geographic Islander, we got to see dozens of Galapagos Shearwaters just sitting in the water.
While repositioning the ship to our next expedition, we traveled around southern Santiago Island with the opportunity to observe the solid lava landscape. Eventually we got to our destination for a hike in a recent solid lava flow which is only 117 years old. There, we got to appreciate the different formations along the way. There are no creatures or plants on the route, since erosion hasn’t eroded this place enough for vegetation. As we head back, the sun on the horizon gives an orange color to the clouds until it sets. We then reach the National Geographic Islander, in which the welcoming crew receives us with a big smile.
