Bartolomé & Santiago Islands
Early this morning we climbed to the top of Bartolomé Island. From there we had the most spectacular view of one of the most famous landscapes of the archipelago. As we ascended to the summit we observed the great variety of volcanic features. Lava tunnels, parasitic cones, pahoehoe lava flows; all of them evidence of the very active geological past of the island. The scarce and little endemic vegetation found here contrasts with the arid landscape. We headed back to the ship and replenished our energies with a well deserved breakfast. After that tasty meal we went ashore once more, this time to swim, snorkel, and to take a ride on the glass bottom boat. This was a great morning with lots to do and to see; snorkelers saw a couple of white-tipped reef sharks, others found penguins and Galápagos sea lions.
In the afternoon we went to Santiago Island. We had our second chance to snorkel in the day. Galápagos sea lions, turtles, and lots of fish were seen. We also walked from a black sandy beach towards the Grottoes. This geological formation is one of the few places where the second species of Otaridae is found in the archipelago, the Galápagos fur seal. Along the shoreline, we encountered Galápagos sea lion babies and several species of seabirds. On a relaxing walk, our senses were enriched by all the animals, plants, and landscapes. What a beautiful way to culminate an expedition around this magical archipelago.
Early this morning we climbed to the top of Bartolomé Island. From there we had the most spectacular view of one of the most famous landscapes of the archipelago. As we ascended to the summit we observed the great variety of volcanic features. Lava tunnels, parasitic cones, pahoehoe lava flows; all of them evidence of the very active geological past of the island. The scarce and little endemic vegetation found here contrasts with the arid landscape. We headed back to the ship and replenished our energies with a well deserved breakfast. After that tasty meal we went ashore once more, this time to swim, snorkel, and to take a ride on the glass bottom boat. This was a great morning with lots to do and to see; snorkelers saw a couple of white-tipped reef sharks, others found penguins and Galápagos sea lions.
In the afternoon we went to Santiago Island. We had our second chance to snorkel in the day. Galápagos sea lions, turtles, and lots of fish were seen. We also walked from a black sandy beach towards the Grottoes. This geological formation is one of the few places where the second species of Otaridae is found in the archipelago, the Galápagos fur seal. Along the shoreline, we encountered Galápagos sea lion babies and several species of seabirds. On a relaxing walk, our senses were enriched by all the animals, plants, and landscapes. What a beautiful way to culminate an expedition around this magical archipelago.
