Bartolome Island and Santiago Islands
When we woke up this morning we had high expectations in our minds. Just when the day was breaking most of us went for an early walk to the summit of Bartolome Island. The breathtaking panorama we could observe from this point is sincerely awe-inspiring. This view is well worth all the efforts to climb up the 372 steps of the stairway that leads to the top. After a satisfying breakfast we came back to the island to enjoy a paradisiacal golden beach that is framed by the famous Pinnacle Rock. Snorkeling, glass bottom boat outings and swimming were popular activities. Colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs and a couple of American Oystercatchers were highlights, for they provide great photo opportunities. The latter ones were looking for an appropriate place to start building a nest.
The afternoon was not less impressive. We visited a black volcanic beach surrounded by yellowish tuff formations. The trail that goes along the coastline is as close to a dream as you can imagine. Sea lions, Galápagos fur seals and marine iguanas are a few examples of the abundance and exquisiteness of the fauna we can find there. When we were coming back onboard we could not avoid thinking that this has been the last day of our expedition. This week has been filled with great sightings, and brought to our lives unforgettable memories and new friends. For all of those who have had the privilege and the joy of touching foot on these magical islands, departure is anything but easy. It is so hard, because we felt part of an idyllic world where everything is connected and works in harmony. These islands constitute a paradise where animals do not show fear and let us be part of their world. Our lives have been greatly enriched with these new feelings. Feelings are hard to describe, the only thing I can assure to you is that any given visit to this enchanted archipelago will stay in your hearts and minds forever.
When we woke up this morning we had high expectations in our minds. Just when the day was breaking most of us went for an early walk to the summit of Bartolome Island. The breathtaking panorama we could observe from this point is sincerely awe-inspiring. This view is well worth all the efforts to climb up the 372 steps of the stairway that leads to the top. After a satisfying breakfast we came back to the island to enjoy a paradisiacal golden beach that is framed by the famous Pinnacle Rock. Snorkeling, glass bottom boat outings and swimming were popular activities. Colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs and a couple of American Oystercatchers were highlights, for they provide great photo opportunities. The latter ones were looking for an appropriate place to start building a nest.
The afternoon was not less impressive. We visited a black volcanic beach surrounded by yellowish tuff formations. The trail that goes along the coastline is as close to a dream as you can imagine. Sea lions, Galápagos fur seals and marine iguanas are a few examples of the abundance and exquisiteness of the fauna we can find there. When we were coming back onboard we could not avoid thinking that this has been the last day of our expedition. This week has been filled with great sightings, and brought to our lives unforgettable memories and new friends. For all of those who have had the privilege and the joy of touching foot on these magical islands, departure is anything but easy. It is so hard, because we felt part of an idyllic world where everything is connected and works in harmony. These islands constitute a paradise where animals do not show fear and let us be part of their world. Our lives have been greatly enriched with these new feelings. Feelings are hard to describe, the only thing I can assure to you is that any given visit to this enchanted archipelago will stay in your hearts and minds forever.
