Bartolomé & Santiago Islands
We had a great day for observations on both islands. For the morning we went up to the top of Bartolomé Island where we started our hike with a nice cool breeze and clouds. As we reached the summit of the island we had nice warming sun and the light over the hills illuminated some areas of Santiago Island and the pinnacle rock of Bartolomé. At the landing site a group of about ten penguins were fishing, while magnificent frigate birds soared above our heads.
Once back aboard we had a delightful breakfast that brought our energies back. We went ashore once more to visit a sea turtle nesting area, and this morning there were several trying to mate in the shallows! Since we had wonderful weather and the water temperature was very pleasant we explored the base of pinnacle rock. We had a great time snorkeling with sea lions, penguins, and lots of fish.
After a smooth navigation we arrived at Santiago Island, where we went snorkeling and walking along the coast. Santiago Island now is a great example of conservation; there were once many introduced goats, donkeys and pigs that caused damage to the island's flora and fauna. Just a few years ago and with the great support of many of our guests as well as other organizations, all the introduced mammals were eradicated. The next step is its restoration, and that is already taking place; plants that were almost extinct are coming up again. It was fantastic to see so many iguanas, sea lions, fur seals, finches, warblers, oyster catchers, and several migratory birds along our walk. This allows us to see with our own eyes how Santiago Island is recovering. We ended our day with a great sunset and nice memories.
We had a great day for observations on both islands. For the morning we went up to the top of Bartolomé Island where we started our hike with a nice cool breeze and clouds. As we reached the summit of the island we had nice warming sun and the light over the hills illuminated some areas of Santiago Island and the pinnacle rock of Bartolomé. At the landing site a group of about ten penguins were fishing, while magnificent frigate birds soared above our heads.
Once back aboard we had a delightful breakfast that brought our energies back. We went ashore once more to visit a sea turtle nesting area, and this morning there were several trying to mate in the shallows! Since we had wonderful weather and the water temperature was very pleasant we explored the base of pinnacle rock. We had a great time snorkeling with sea lions, penguins, and lots of fish.
After a smooth navigation we arrived at Santiago Island, where we went snorkeling and walking along the coast. Santiago Island now is a great example of conservation; there were once many introduced goats, donkeys and pigs that caused damage to the island's flora and fauna. Just a few years ago and with the great support of many of our guests as well as other organizations, all the introduced mammals were eradicated. The next step is its restoration, and that is already taking place; plants that were almost extinct are coming up again. It was fantastic to see so many iguanas, sea lions, fur seals, finches, warblers, oyster catchers, and several migratory birds along our walk. This allows us to see with our own eyes how Santiago Island is recovering. We ended our day with a great sunset and nice memories.
