Punta Pitt, San Cristobal Island
Punta Pitt is located at the northeastern extreme of the island of San Cristobal, one of the oldest islands formed by several volcanoes; we landed on a beach formed by olivine crystals, an iron silicate also called peridote, which sparkles under the sun. The volcanic scenery that we observed during our intense hike is breathtaking.
This is the only place in the Galápagos where three booby species and two frigatebird species are found together. Park rangers are working intensively to eradicate feral animals in order to restore this fragile ecosystem and provide the birds and all small animals on land, such as this lava lizard, with better living conditions.
During our Zodiac ride around the cliffs and little islands we watched frigatebirds with bright red pouches sitting on the bushes waving their heads to attract the flying females, and beautiful fluffy red-footed booby chicks stretch their wings out to get strong muscles before they can fly.
Sea lions basked on the rocky shore; one decided to have a closer look at us and delighted parents and children with a very close and personal experience.
What a wonderful visit! The combination of colors made this last day in the Galápagos one of the most memorable moments of our trip.
