Bartholomew and Santiago Islands
Our wonderful day’s activities started in the early hours of the morning on Bartholomew Island, as we climbed up to the summit and had one of the most impressive views of the archipelago. This island in particular shows some of the best examples of pahoe hoe lava flows, lava tubes, spatter cones, and lots of volcanic cinders, signs of early volcanism, now completely extinct. We encountered some early colonizers and pioneers plants like lichens, lava cactus, mat plants, and Chamaesyce as some good examples how some species can adapt themselves to some of the most harsh conditions where others have failed.
After enjoying the view from the top of Bartholomew, we came aboard to have a delicious breakfast and got our swimming gear on. Then we headed towards the beach where some started to practice and learn how to snorkel, others went across the island to visit the Pacific green sea turtle nesting area, and there, right by the waters edge, we spotted lots of white tipped reef sharks. Pelicans and boobies were plunge diving in the vicinity while a Galápagos hawk kept a curious eye on us.
Our afternoon was simply outstanding as we explored the western coast of Santiago Island to the beach to swim, snorkel, and to walk. Along the coastal trail, we found large groups of Galápagos marine iguanas sun bathing and resting one right next to the other, we heard them snorting the excess salt through their nostrils. We spotted some sanderlings, whimbrels, least sand pipers, semi palmated plovers, wandering tattlers, lava herons, black-bellied plovers, small-beaked ground finches and lava lizards. There we also found Galápagos sea lions and Galápagos fur seals in the grottos area, and as we left this amazing place, we had a beautiful sunset. Once aboard, we all enjoyed a great ceviche, along with a nice, cold Ecuadorian beer!
Our wonderful day’s activities started in the early hours of the morning on Bartholomew Island, as we climbed up to the summit and had one of the most impressive views of the archipelago. This island in particular shows some of the best examples of pahoe hoe lava flows, lava tubes, spatter cones, and lots of volcanic cinders, signs of early volcanism, now completely extinct. We encountered some early colonizers and pioneers plants like lichens, lava cactus, mat plants, and Chamaesyce as some good examples how some species can adapt themselves to some of the most harsh conditions where others have failed.
After enjoying the view from the top of Bartholomew, we came aboard to have a delicious breakfast and got our swimming gear on. Then we headed towards the beach where some started to practice and learn how to snorkel, others went across the island to visit the Pacific green sea turtle nesting area, and there, right by the waters edge, we spotted lots of white tipped reef sharks. Pelicans and boobies were plunge diving in the vicinity while a Galápagos hawk kept a curious eye on us.
Our afternoon was simply outstanding as we explored the western coast of Santiago Island to the beach to swim, snorkel, and to walk. Along the coastal trail, we found large groups of Galápagos marine iguanas sun bathing and resting one right next to the other, we heard them snorting the excess salt through their nostrils. We spotted some sanderlings, whimbrels, least sand pipers, semi palmated plovers, wandering tattlers, lava herons, black-bellied plovers, small-beaked ground finches and lava lizards. There we also found Galápagos sea lions and Galápagos fur seals in the grottos area, and as we left this amazing place, we had a beautiful sunset. Once aboard, we all enjoyed a great ceviche, along with a nice, cold Ecuadorian beer!
