Bartolomé & Santiago Islands
It is our first full day in the Galápagos Archipelago, and we had an early wake up today. Our first excursion, a hike to the summit of Bartolomé, started at 0630. It was a windy start but the air temperature was quite pleasant, so everybody was in high spirits about this outing! Our hike involved a wooden staircase of 372 steps, but the effort was certainly worth it: the views over the lava fields of Bartolomé and nearby Sullivan Bay were simply spectacular. Bartolomé is one of the smallest islands of the archipelago, but its volcanic features are abundant: spatter cones, tuff cones, lava pipes, lava bombs…
After the walk, we had the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the underwater world of Bartolomé. Our snorklers couldn’t wait so off they went! Around Pinnacle Rock, by the golden beach, many of us discovered various species of fish: white-tipped reef sharks, blue-chin parrotfishes, striped salemas, dusky chubs, etc. A couple of Galápagos Penguins entertained those guests who decided to simply enjoy the beach. It was certainly an enjoyable morning.
This week, we have two special guests on board the National Geographic Islander, who are part of our “Teachers On Board” program. In our commitment to contribute with the Galápagos community, we invite local school teachers on board to travel around the islands to experience Galápagos. This way, the teachers are able to transmit the message of conservation in a more effective way to their Galápagos students. We are honored to have Zoila Garzon and Silvana Jimenez with us this week. Welcome on board!
After a delicious typical Ecuadorian lunch, there was a little time for a typical Ecuadorian siesta. But not for long, because as soon as the National Geographic Islander anchored at James Bay, everybody was quite ready for our afternoon adventures! Our first group of guests opted for snorkeling first before the walk, so they departed for the black sandy beach of Puerto Egas, in order to look for more marine life. Then it was the hikers' turn, ready to enjoy a pleasant afternoon coastal walk. Santiago is a very interesting island, not only because of its natural history, but also because of its human history. In the past, this island was a safe haven to many buccaneers and whalers, as well as various other groups of people escaping from the madness of modern civilization. Perhaps, as we stroll along this peaceful trail with all its amazing creatures, Galápagos sea lions, marine iguanas, yellow warblers, oystercatchers (the chick we have seen for several weeks now is still growing!), all of them oblivious to us humans, we may understand why they would have chosen a place like this.
