Santiago Island
We are enjoying our last day in Galápagos. Our morning excursion was outstanding. We climbed some 372 steps to the summit of Bartholomew Island and the view was breathtaking. We could see Pinnacle rock which is probably the most photographed formation in the islands. In any book about Galápagos you are certain to find this picture. In the distance we also saw the main islands of the central archipelago including some of the many rocks and islets that together make a total of about 125 islands.
After that wonderful hike we returned to the Polaris for a delicious breakfast. Later in the morning we headed out to Bartholomew again. This time there were several optional activities that included glass bottom boating, swimming, snorkeling and hiking over a lovely golden sand dune.
Once we crossed the sand dune we found something we had not expected. At least 80 white tipped reef sharks were swimming along the water line! The shallows were so incredibly crowded that some times we could see the sharks bumping into each other. Besides the sharks, we also found finches and lava lizards. An amazing and beautiful beach!
The afternoon visit to Puerto Egas was just as interesting and exciting as one could wish for a final outing. Those who went snorkeling found several Pacific green sea turtles and very playful sea lions. On the walk we were delighted to encounter migratory birds and Galápagos fur seals. But what a surprise when we saw, from our position on the shore, that there were at least three big whales feeding out to sea and several mobula rays leaping out of the water!
Since this is our last day in the islands and our last time together before the Polaris heads north to Panama for five weeks in dry dock, we wanted to say thank you to all those who have visited us here in Galápagos. We will miss these magical islands but it won’t be long before we return for another season of amazing experiences in this paradise.
We are enjoying our last day in Galápagos. Our morning excursion was outstanding. We climbed some 372 steps to the summit of Bartholomew Island and the view was breathtaking. We could see Pinnacle rock which is probably the most photographed formation in the islands. In any book about Galápagos you are certain to find this picture. In the distance we also saw the main islands of the central archipelago including some of the many rocks and islets that together make a total of about 125 islands.
After that wonderful hike we returned to the Polaris for a delicious breakfast. Later in the morning we headed out to Bartholomew again. This time there were several optional activities that included glass bottom boating, swimming, snorkeling and hiking over a lovely golden sand dune.
Once we crossed the sand dune we found something we had not expected. At least 80 white tipped reef sharks were swimming along the water line! The shallows were so incredibly crowded that some times we could see the sharks bumping into each other. Besides the sharks, we also found finches and lava lizards. An amazing and beautiful beach!
The afternoon visit to Puerto Egas was just as interesting and exciting as one could wish for a final outing. Those who went snorkeling found several Pacific green sea turtles and very playful sea lions. On the walk we were delighted to encounter migratory birds and Galápagos fur seals. But what a surprise when we saw, from our position on the shore, that there were at least three big whales feeding out to sea and several mobula rays leaping out of the water!
Since this is our last day in the islands and our last time together before the Polaris heads north to Panama for five weeks in dry dock, we wanted to say thank you to all those who have visited us here in Galápagos. We will miss these magical islands but it won’t be long before we return for another season of amazing experiences in this paradise.
