Batolome & Santiago Island
What a great experience we just had!
Bartolome Island is the perfect place to see (or vividly imagine) the process of formation in oceanic islands. The colonization process is also something that we notice the minute we step on its eroded lava flows.
As you explore the barren landscape, you can find plants and reptiles on a daily struggle for survival, usually facing as the main enemy the selective natural forces that could wipe them out completely from the islands.
The features of the lava flows and craters make this place unique among all the other landscapes we could encounter, giving the impression of walking on lunar surface; however if we have to compare this island with an alien planet, that would be Mars! Due to its natural volcanic composition, the amount of iron oxidation on its soil had produced an intense red coloration all over.
Not too far away from our main landing spot we found a gorgeous golden sandy beach revealing an astonishing snorkeling site. Besides the myriad of tropical fish, you can also snorkel with sea lions, sharks and even penguins! What else can be more amazing than having a close encounter with these rare animals, typically found in southern regions of the world.
Later on we had on our schedule the visit to a neighbouring island known as Santiago; we had a nice view of the island during the entire navigation, since we sailed along the north-western coast, admiring the dramatic edges of the island and the tuff cones as they met the dark waters of the sea.
The landing was on a black beach, resulted as the erosion happened for millennia in the nearby hills. These types of beaches are perfect for us to find species like sea lions; they are usually found lounging after long periods at sea spent for foraging in open waters.
A walk on Santiago Island is a combination of marine life and land organisms observation, as you explore the tide pool areas and the interior of the island, as well.It really was an unforgettable place!
What a great experience we just had!
Bartolome Island is the perfect place to see (or vividly imagine) the process of formation in oceanic islands. The colonization process is also something that we notice the minute we step on its eroded lava flows.
As you explore the barren landscape, you can find plants and reptiles on a daily struggle for survival, usually facing as the main enemy the selective natural forces that could wipe them out completely from the islands.
The features of the lava flows and craters make this place unique among all the other landscapes we could encounter, giving the impression of walking on lunar surface; however if we have to compare this island with an alien planet, that would be Mars! Due to its natural volcanic composition, the amount of iron oxidation on its soil had produced an intense red coloration all over.
Not too far away from our main landing spot we found a gorgeous golden sandy beach revealing an astonishing snorkeling site. Besides the myriad of tropical fish, you can also snorkel with sea lions, sharks and even penguins! What else can be more amazing than having a close encounter with these rare animals, typically found in southern regions of the world.
Later on we had on our schedule the visit to a neighbouring island known as Santiago; we had a nice view of the island during the entire navigation, since we sailed along the north-western coast, admiring the dramatic edges of the island and the tuff cones as they met the dark waters of the sea.
The landing was on a black beach, resulted as the erosion happened for millennia in the nearby hills. These types of beaches are perfect for us to find species like sea lions; they are usually found lounging after long periods at sea spent for foraging in open waters.
A walk on Santiago Island is a combination of marine life and land organisms observation, as you explore the tide pool areas and the interior of the island, as well.It really was an unforgettable place!
