After a long navigation from Santa Cruz, early in the morning we arrived to the easternmost part of the Galapagos, Punta Pitt at San Cristobal Island. Compared with other islands Punta Pitt looked dry and barren, without the greenery observed yesterday, clear evidence that rainfalls haven’t arrived here yet.
After breakfast we headed out in the Zodiacs to the greenish beach of Punta Pitt. It was sunny and windy but very calm sea, making it easy for disembarkation. We observed several Galapagos sea lions on the beach sleeping indifferently, while on the cliffs frigate birds and red footed boobies nested on branches of palo santo trees and bushes. Ascending through a small dried creek proved very challenging, and tested our skills to maneuver between rocks and climb at the same time. As soon as we found some shade we stopped to admire the gigantic cliff formations which looked eroded by water. This view made it easy to observe evidence of waterfalls produced during rainfalls years ago. Upon reaching the highest part of the hill we could appreciate the view and the landscape around us, observing some marine iguanas walking far from the sea looking for good places to nest along the bushes. We also saw finches and yellow warblers fluttering freely. We reached the Red footed booby colony and could see several of them nesting and some chicks with their unmistakable white fluffy feathers. Near the cliffs just in front of the ocean we observed some of them incubating eggs. The Sesuvium succulent plant gave the final touch to the whole scene, as several boobies flew in the distance.
After hiking our guests had time to swim in the clear waters and cool off a little. As expected, some sea lions were swimming in the neighborhood. We finished the walk at the right time, as the tropical sun began to heat the area we hiked through just a few minutes ago.
In the afternoon it was time to snorkel among sharks along waters next to the cliffs of Leon Dormido (or “Kicker Rock”). With a radiant sun and excellent weather conditions we got into the water and explored the wonders of this underwater realm. It was definitively a wet ride to Leon Dormido, but as soon as snorkelers jumped in the water, several signals were made of black and white tipped reef shark sightings. But the most incredible encounter was a group of five hammer heads swimming close to us, and deeper some sea lions were waiting for the opportunity to catch some fish. As our time snorkeling was coming to an end, several sea turtles and spotted eagle rays delighted our guests, who observed the impressive tameness of the incredible creatures.
After snorkeling we came back to the National Geographic Islander. With the last rays of sun we circumnavigated Kicker Rock observing the impressive rock right in front of us. On the horizon we could see the highlands of San Cristobal while in the west the sunset colored the sky with a unique hue, and in the air frigate birds and blue footed boobies flew freely as if telling us good bye after an incredible week in this natural paradise called Galapagos.
