Bartolomé & James Island
Bartolomé looked mysterious early in the morning. It was windy, a little overcast and the seas had the dark blue color of a light storm (even tough we know storms never happen in Galápagos). People disembarked to conquer the top of this islet, tiny in area, but huge in its beauty and fame. Once at the top all the colors changed, and the scenery got the hues of volcanoes of different ages, some very red, some orange and yellow, some brown and several very dark, like the young lava flow of Santiago island, formed at the end of the 1800’s.
Swimming in Bartolomé is always a delight. Even if we could not find any fish, the underwater topography is dramatic, interesting, and colourful as well. But fish were there, together with dozens of sea stars, sea urchins and various marine invertebrates.
The afternoon was another pleasing experience. After snorkeling among sea lions and yellow tailed surgeon fish, we put on our shoes and started a walk that took us back to Darwin’s era, as this is the island where the famous naturalist spent most of his time when he was in the Galápagos. Tidal pools to explore, fur sea lions, marine iguanas, Galápagos sea lions, mockingbirds and warblers, accompanied us along the trail, with the impressive view of northern Isabela volcanoes to the west. We came back on board for farewell cocktails and a Galápagos GeoBee with our hearts charmed by peace and beauty.
Bartolomé looked mysterious early in the morning. It was windy, a little overcast and the seas had the dark blue color of a light storm (even tough we know storms never happen in Galápagos). People disembarked to conquer the top of this islet, tiny in area, but huge in its beauty and fame. Once at the top all the colors changed, and the scenery got the hues of volcanoes of different ages, some very red, some orange and yellow, some brown and several very dark, like the young lava flow of Santiago island, formed at the end of the 1800’s.
Swimming in Bartolomé is always a delight. Even if we could not find any fish, the underwater topography is dramatic, interesting, and colourful as well. But fish were there, together with dozens of sea stars, sea urchins and various marine invertebrates.
The afternoon was another pleasing experience. After snorkeling among sea lions and yellow tailed surgeon fish, we put on our shoes and started a walk that took us back to Darwin’s era, as this is the island where the famous naturalist spent most of his time when he was in the Galápagos. Tidal pools to explore, fur sea lions, marine iguanas, Galápagos sea lions, mockingbirds and warblers, accompanied us along the trail, with the impressive view of northern Isabela volcanoes to the west. We came back on board for farewell cocktails and a Galápagos GeoBee with our hearts charmed by peace and beauty.
