Sombrero Chino Islet & Santiago Island, 5/26/2017, National Geographic Islander
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander
Galápagos
Today was the first time we had a chance to visit some of the lava flows around this highly active volcanic landscape. Sombrero Chino, which is a cinder cone, was our first stop in the morning and Sullivan Bay, with a massive lava flow, was our stop in the afternoon. Also, we finally found Galapagos penguins while we snorkeled in the morning.
Enrique was born on San Cristobal Island, which is the political capital of the Galapagos. His parents moved from mainland Ecuador in the 1980’s, as did many other Ecuadorians, in search of better work opportunities.
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Today we woke up in the most western region of the Galapagos and we had different activities planned: Zodiac riding, hiking, and snorkeling. The day was great, and we knew it was just going to get better and better since we were going to have our BBQ dinner and were headed to witness a spectacular event at Fernandina Island, the eruption of la Cumbre Volcano. La Cumbre is the youngest volcano in the archipelago and one of the most active ones worldwide. This particular eruption started a month ago, but it was only this past Sunday that the lava reached the ocean, putting on an amazing show. We could see the rivers of lava flowing, the sparks flying, and the huge waves solidifying the lava. We could hear it cooling and the new rocks rolling, the force of nature at its maximum splendor. It was breathtaking!!!
Our day began with the chance to point out a lot of interesting geological features as we enjoyed Zodiac tours along a massive flank of Ecuador Volcano on Punta Vicente Roca. In the afternoon, we took a sunny walk on Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island. We spotted many iguanas, and a bunch of sea lions hanging around, too.
Relatively small and low compared to neighboring Santa Cruz, North Seymour is located to the north of Baltra. The island is dry with predominantly low shrubs, like prickly pear cacti. The incense trees are bare during the dry season. Seabirds like frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies nest on the island, and sea lions rest on the sand when they are not fishing. Land and marine iguanas also live here. Rabida is in the middle of the archipelago and has a striking red sand beach. We observed a small colony of sea lions of all ages resting or nursing. Behind the beach, American flamingos nest in a brackish lagoon. This island is full of contrasts and wildlife that we enjoyed observing during this day of expedition.
