San Cristobal Island is the destination on our last expedition day and was the first island visited by Charles Darwin during the Voyage of the Beagle in September, 1835. We started our first hike at Punta Pitt, an old tuff cone with impressive cliffs. The hike to the plateau and viewing point led us to an area covered with patches of red Sesuvium, or Galapagos carpet weed. We found a colony of red footed boobies nesting. These boobies are the only ones, among the 3 species found in Galapagos, that nest in trees and bushes along the cliffs. Today we got to see some chicks and eggs! Once we finished our beautiful, yet uphill hike, it was time to enjoy the beach and the playful sea lions. We had a blast swimming and taking pictures of them.
After lunch we sailed toward the islet named Leon Dormido, or Kicker Rock, an old rocky outcrop which is the remainder of a volcanic tuff cone eroded by the wind and wave action over thousands of years. Our brave guests were able to enjoy some interesting snorkelling. We found sharks, colourful schools of fish, sea turtles and the invertebrates, all along the underwater wall.
Once back on board we enjoyed the circumnavigation of this unique formation with drinks on deck before travelling to our final destination. We approached the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the province of Galapagos also known as the “Capital of paradise”. After dinner, our guests were able to walk in town and experience a little bit of Galapagos life- kids riding bikes and playing among the sea lions lying on the streets and benches, people walking, shopping or eating at on the local restaurants. We spent time in a place where humans and nature coexist in harmony.
It was another full and wonderful day in paradise.
