Bartolomé & Santiago Islands
We woke up quite early today to do a hike before breakfast. We landed at Bartolomé Island at 6:30 am, and the sun was rising above the spatter cones found along the way. These are perhaps one of the most striking features of this visitor’s site. Some of us did the walk at a faster pace in order to do some morning exercise, breathing the pure air and enjoying the scenic view of the Island.
Later in the morning after a delicious breakfast we landed at a nice golden sandy beach, composed mainly by minerals, particles of basalt, cinder and crushed shells. At this place most of us went snorkeling. The water was so warm, 84 degrees F, that it made it very comfortable to be in the water.
Perhaps due to the wet season, the snorkeling area was quite wavy. This challenge added fun to it, but just in case there was a glass bottom boat offered, which was quite good and clear, and also swimming off the beach was fun.
Later on along our navigation to Santiago Island we enjoyed the volcanic landscape of Santiago Island and finally we got there. It was raining and also the coast was also rough, but nevertheless we disembarked and what a surprise, after all the hike was amazing, the island was so green and the colors in the sky by the time the sun was setting when the rain stopped were breathtaking. Many species of shore birds were seen along the coast as we walked on the intertidal zone of Puerto Egas. The two endemic species of sea lions found at this site were also the highlight of the afternoon; both were so close to us.
At the end of the day we left the Island very happy for the special moments we had communing with nature, but at the same time we were a little sad because our trip in the enchanted Islands was coming to an end.
Before dinner we all gathered at the main lounge, had our farewell cocktail, and shared our experiences during this week aboard the National Geographic Endeavour with everyone speaking in the microphone. Finally we all cheered for the Galápagos, and the new friends we made on this trip.
