Bartholomew Island
Today’s activities started early this morning just after sunrise, when we had a very adventurous walk to the top of Bartholomew Volcano. The sun was gradually rising in the sky and illuminated the volcanic landscape, giving them a beautiful reddish color. Right there at the top we saw one of the most spectacular views in Galápagos. Volcanoes of different ages, size and colors contrasting with the black lava, and below the green mangroves and blue ocean.
After breakfast we disembarked on a golden beach formed of white coral and lava ash. There is a special rock close to the beach that we call the Pinnacle Rock, a dominant feature of the island.
Our guests decided to go swimming and snorkeling, and for the “dry” snorkelers we decided to go to the “GBB,” the glass bottom boat. Here we saw many species of fish without getting wet, and what caught my attention was the number of Panamic cushion sea stars that were all over the sandy bottom, forming lovely constellations.
In the afternoon we had a very relaxing walk over compacted lava ash. At the end of the walk we visited a unique formation of lava tunnels that collapsed early on when they came into contact with sea water, forming natural swimming pools. These formations are called “Darwin’s grottos,” and it is here where a good number of Galapagos fur seals have decided to establish a colony. It was nice to see these handsome mammals swimming inside the natural lava formations. We finished the day walking along the coast of the island, and were particularly fortunate to witness a spectacularly beautiful sunset behind Isabela Island.
Today’s activities started early this morning just after sunrise, when we had a very adventurous walk to the top of Bartholomew Volcano. The sun was gradually rising in the sky and illuminated the volcanic landscape, giving them a beautiful reddish color. Right there at the top we saw one of the most spectacular views in Galápagos. Volcanoes of different ages, size and colors contrasting with the black lava, and below the green mangroves and blue ocean.
After breakfast we disembarked on a golden beach formed of white coral and lava ash. There is a special rock close to the beach that we call the Pinnacle Rock, a dominant feature of the island.
Our guests decided to go swimming and snorkeling, and for the “dry” snorkelers we decided to go to the “GBB,” the glass bottom boat. Here we saw many species of fish without getting wet, and what caught my attention was the number of Panamic cushion sea stars that were all over the sandy bottom, forming lovely constellations.
In the afternoon we had a very relaxing walk over compacted lava ash. At the end of the walk we visited a unique formation of lava tunnels that collapsed early on when they came into contact with sea water, forming natural swimming pools. These formations are called “Darwin’s grottos,” and it is here where a good number of Galapagos fur seals have decided to establish a colony. It was nice to see these handsome mammals swimming inside the natural lava formations. We finished the day walking along the coast of the island, and were particularly fortunate to witness a spectacularly beautiful sunset behind Isabela Island.
