Bartolome and Santiago Island
Our day began very early in the morning and the sunrise found us at the central quarter of the archipelago visiting Bartolome Island. This place is well known for its wonderful geology and landscapes. Our pre-breakfast outing took us to the summit of the cinder cone and we encountered a view that was simply breathtaking! Clear skies gave us the opportunity to see many of the surrounding islands such as Santa Cruz, Baltra, Duncan, Jervis, and Santiago.
After this nice outing, we came aboard for an energizing and well deserved breakfast! Once our energies were back, we headed to the golden beach at the northern part of the island. Here, penguins were catching some of the tiny fish that were cruising at the surface of the water. There was also a good chance for exploration at the southern beach and what a surprise when we encountered white tipped reef sharks right at the waters edge!
Our afternoon excursion was at the western side of Santiago Island. Years ago this place was the home for salt miners. They all left the island long ago, but we can still find some ruins from the very small village that they established. Our guests concentrated mainly on the snorkeling, but once everyone was done, we took a rather relaxing stroll along the inter-tidal zone of the island. During our walk we came across with a very serene great blue heron. It was apparently waiting for a crab or insect to be within its reach. It seemed as if it was posing for us, because it kept staring back and moving accordingly, for us capture its best side!
This was a great day in many aspects. What a way of ending our week here on this wonderful paradise!
Our day began very early in the morning and the sunrise found us at the central quarter of the archipelago visiting Bartolome Island. This place is well known for its wonderful geology and landscapes. Our pre-breakfast outing took us to the summit of the cinder cone and we encountered a view that was simply breathtaking! Clear skies gave us the opportunity to see many of the surrounding islands such as Santa Cruz, Baltra, Duncan, Jervis, and Santiago.
After this nice outing, we came aboard for an energizing and well deserved breakfast! Once our energies were back, we headed to the golden beach at the northern part of the island. Here, penguins were catching some of the tiny fish that were cruising at the surface of the water. There was also a good chance for exploration at the southern beach and what a surprise when we encountered white tipped reef sharks right at the waters edge!
Our afternoon excursion was at the western side of Santiago Island. Years ago this place was the home for salt miners. They all left the island long ago, but we can still find some ruins from the very small village that they established. Our guests concentrated mainly on the snorkeling, but once everyone was done, we took a rather relaxing stroll along the inter-tidal zone of the island. During our walk we came across with a very serene great blue heron. It was apparently waiting for a crab or insect to be within its reach. It seemed as if it was posing for us, because it kept staring back and moving accordingly, for us capture its best side!
This was a great day in many aspects. What a way of ending our week here on this wonderful paradise!
