Bartolome and Santiago Islands
When the first glimpse of light came through the peaks of the hills, we were already heading to the summit of Bartolome Islands. This early morning hike was spectacular from all angles; the view was a perfect mix of natural colours. This is undoubtedly the most amazing “moonscape” that we find in the archipelago.
After breakfast, we headed out again to the shores of Bartolome for beach and water activities. We took a short walk across a sand dune and arrived on the south facing beach which is a main nesting area for the Pacific green sea turtle. Just off shore we saw a couple of sea turtles mating. Others were resting by the shoreline waiting for darkness to dig a nest and lay their eggs. Among the turtles were several white-tipped reef sharks which swam and circled. On the beach ghost crabs were feeding and enjoying what for them was a delicious meal.
We returned to the northern beach where Ernesto gave instructions for snorkelling. Those of us who with more experience swam farther out and beyond the pinnacle rock. They enjoyed the presence of a couple of friendly and acrobatic sea lions. A few of us had the thrill of spotting a fast moving penguin in the water.
During lunch time, we navigated to our next anchorage at Puerto Egas, on the island of Santiago. On this second snorkel outing, despite the rough surf and slightly turbulent water, we saw sea turtles, sea lions and huge schools of tropical fish. Late in the afternoon, we all took a hike along the coastal zone. The tide pools were full of life. We saw a good number of wading birds but the creatures that really attracted our attention were the baby sea lions. Such cute faces! Today’s experiences fill us with joy and happiness and remind us of what a privilege it is to visit to one of the last paradises on our planet.
When the first glimpse of light came through the peaks of the hills, we were already heading to the summit of Bartolome Islands. This early morning hike was spectacular from all angles; the view was a perfect mix of natural colours. This is undoubtedly the most amazing “moonscape” that we find in the archipelago.
After breakfast, we headed out again to the shores of Bartolome for beach and water activities. We took a short walk across a sand dune and arrived on the south facing beach which is a main nesting area for the Pacific green sea turtle. Just off shore we saw a couple of sea turtles mating. Others were resting by the shoreline waiting for darkness to dig a nest and lay their eggs. Among the turtles were several white-tipped reef sharks which swam and circled. On the beach ghost crabs were feeding and enjoying what for them was a delicious meal.
We returned to the northern beach where Ernesto gave instructions for snorkelling. Those of us who with more experience swam farther out and beyond the pinnacle rock. They enjoyed the presence of a couple of friendly and acrobatic sea lions. A few of us had the thrill of spotting a fast moving penguin in the water.
During lunch time, we navigated to our next anchorage at Puerto Egas, on the island of Santiago. On this second snorkel outing, despite the rough surf and slightly turbulent water, we saw sea turtles, sea lions and huge schools of tropical fish. Late in the afternoon, we all took a hike along the coastal zone. The tide pools were full of life. We saw a good number of wading birds but the creatures that really attracted our attention were the baby sea lions. Such cute faces! Today’s experiences fill us with joy and happiness and remind us of what a privilege it is to visit to one of the last paradises on our planet.
