We landed on Bartholomew Island before breakfast to walk along a wooden trail all the way up a mountain. Four endemic species of settler plants were seen and identified along the path, as well as the odd lava lizard. After breakfast we snorkeled, rode our Zodiacs, or enjoyed our glass bottomed boat. We spotted several Galapagos penguins along the shore.
In the afternoon, we visited Chinese Hat Islet, where after the talk about Lucy by Dr. Donald Johansen, we were able to choose between snorkeling and Zodiac rides along the coast.
A day full of activities ends with a BBQ dinner on the Sun Deck of National Geographic Endeavour II in this natural paradise called The Enchanted Islands or, Galapagos.
Fabian Bucheli studied at the German School in Quito, graduated from the University of California with a bachelor of science in administration, and earned a master’s degree in international management from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona. He has studied in Germany, France, Belgium, and Austria and is fluent in German, French, English, and Spanish. He has always been in love with nature and conservation. Explaining abstract concepts became second nature as a teaching assistant in biodiversity and evolution (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) while working towards a PhD in environmental risk management.
Today we visited two islands in the center of the archipelago. On Bartholomew, we climbed a wooden staircase to the top of an old cinder cone for a chance to see the famous vista that captures many islands at once, in addition to Pinnacle Rock. In the afternoon, we navigated towards Sombrero Chino, where we had a great time snorkeling from Zodiacs and spotting wildlife. This is the home of a small colony of Galapagos penguins as well as Galapagos sea lions.
We anchored off the coast of Santa Cruz to admire a vast incense tree forest and black lava fields from a distance. After breakfast, we had a dry landing onto a lava field, which soon led us to Dragon Hill, the natural habitat of the Galapagos land iguanas. These yellowish dragon-like reptiles are unique to the Enchanted Isles.
Along the trail through the incense tree forest, we were fascinated by a juvenile land iguana, only a few months old. It is rare to see baby land iguanas, as they often hide from potential predators in vegetation. One baby land iguana was found resting on a branch of a short bush.
On this trail, we spotted several nests of these iconic reptiles. Some females rested in their burrows. A couple of males with their bright yellow coloration guarded the trail as we photographed them.
After the hike, we returned to ship to get ready for deep water snorkeling around Guy Fawkes Islets. The underwater scene was fantastic! Plenty of schools of yellow-tailed razor surgeonfish, a couple of playful sea lions in the water, lots of colorful invertebrates along the vertical wall. It could not have been better!
After a delightful Ecuadorian lunch, we had the opportunity to go kayaking, paddle-boarding, and Zodiac riding along the coast of “Bahia Borrero,” a visitor site along the coast of Santa Cruz Island. We ended an incredible expedition day with a wine tasting at sunset on the sky deck, as we navigated around Daphne Islet.
Today, our land exploration of Santa Cruz started with a visit to Los Gemelos, a geological formation located in the highlands of the island. Our second stop along the road was Manzanillo Farm, where we enjoyed the presence of more than 50 tortoises roaming freely around us. After witnessing the gentleness of these giants, we came back onboard to rest before getting ready for a visit to Las Bachas. This white sandy beach was the perfect spot to snorkel and swim in crystal clear waters. During a hike, a flamingo showed up in one of the brackish lagoons. A full day with a combination of experiences that revealed the wonders of the Galapagos.
