Today we arrived at the anchorage off Espumilla Beach at first light. Here, on the east coast of Santiago Island we started our day with some pre-breakfast activities. Some guests explored the shoreline on kayaks while others landed on the dark sand beach for a stroll amongst the old mangrove forest that protects the coast just inland of the beach.
Once we returned for a well-deserved breakfast, we raised the anchor and sailed just over a nautical mile north towards an area known as Buccaneers Cove. Here, we would explore the bay both above and below the waves. Some guests chose kayaks while others preferred our rugged Zodiac craft. Eventually we ventured into the water for some snorkeling. Despite limited visibility and some current caused by an oceanic swell from the north, there were excellent opportunities to spot many different fish species, fur seals and sea lions in the water and even two different species of shark.
As the sun reached the highest point in the sky, we made our way back to our floating home and started sailing south. Our next destination a few miles south was the anchorage at James Bay from where we would visit Puerto Egas at the southern end of the bay.
After our second snorkeling opportunity of the day and some time to relax on the black sand beach, we set off for one last hike. This time we had a chance to explore the coastline of Santiago Island from land. With the low tide vacating the shoreline, we explored the many tidal pools. Small fish patiently waited for the return of the waves while warblers and finches fed on the many brine flies attracted by the freshly uncovered rocky shore.
As we made our way back we watched as heavy rain fell across the bay. We all made it back to the ship before the rain reached Puerto Egas.
