Bartolome and Santiago Islands

Bartolome is a great island, not only because of its geology, but also because of its wildlife. Early in the morning we faced the challenge of crowning the top of this tiny island. Endorphins, thanks to the exercise, and the amazing view, made us feel happy and at the top of the world. Indeed we were at the top, why not? A pristine place in the middle of the Pacific Ocean can be considered the top of the planet. And then we explored the realm beneath sea level, with amazing topography and colourful fish unveiled to our eyes for the first time. During lunch we sailed along the northern shore of our adopted island, Santiago. Everyone felt proud knowing that the many good conservation programs going on in Santiago happen because our guests do care for the future of these islands. Sea lions, marine iguanas, pelicans, finches, and fur seals can feel safe now, when a lot of the problems have been eradicated thanks to the fund created by Lindblad Expeditions in 1997. There are more giant tortoises thanks to the breeding program financed by this fund, a thought-to-be-extinct species of rice rat has been rediscovered thanks to this funding, and who knows what else will happen in the many good years to come. All of which are reasons to feel even prouder.