Bartolome & Santiago Islands
It has been a very interesting day in many different ways! The early morning wake-up call was precisely what we needed to enjoy the deserted looks of Bartolome. The intensity of the heat was not felt until later in the morning, which is the main reason why we were, by six thirty, already making our way to the top. As we walk its deserted path, we enjoyed the explanations of the naturalists so much, that it felt as if we were inside of a geology book. Gaápagos geology can be just as fascinating as the natural history itself, and Bartolome was a testimony of that.
Once back on board, we had a nutritious breakfast and continued with our scheduled activities; snorkeling was next, and the warm waters of the nearby beach seemed perfect to spend the rest of the morning.
It was during the snorkeling that many highlights were revealed to us. Tropical fish, sea lions, sea turtles, sharks, sting rays and penguins were among the creatures we encountered up close as we swam the calm waters of the bay.
The afternoon’s visit on the Island of Santiago gave us the opportunity to observe an ecosystem that has been restored thanks to the efforts of many people that care about the islands. The numbers of introduced animals have been minimized tremendously, and in some cases, completely eradicated; the chance of survival of native and endemic species has been assured, and the future of the island looks brighter than ever.
It was not until we finished the exploration of its coastline that we made our way back to the beach, where Zodiacs were ready to bring us back to our lovely ship, enjoying a beautiful sunset in the background.
It has been a very interesting day in many different ways! The early morning wake-up call was precisely what we needed to enjoy the deserted looks of Bartolome. The intensity of the heat was not felt until later in the morning, which is the main reason why we were, by six thirty, already making our way to the top. As we walk its deserted path, we enjoyed the explanations of the naturalists so much, that it felt as if we were inside of a geology book. Gaápagos geology can be just as fascinating as the natural history itself, and Bartolome was a testimony of that.
Once back on board, we had a nutritious breakfast and continued with our scheduled activities; snorkeling was next, and the warm waters of the nearby beach seemed perfect to spend the rest of the morning.
It was during the snorkeling that many highlights were revealed to us. Tropical fish, sea lions, sea turtles, sharks, sting rays and penguins were among the creatures we encountered up close as we swam the calm waters of the bay.
The afternoon’s visit on the Island of Santiago gave us the opportunity to observe an ecosystem that has been restored thanks to the efforts of many people that care about the islands. The numbers of introduced animals have been minimized tremendously, and in some cases, completely eradicated; the chance of survival of native and endemic species has been assured, and the future of the island looks brighter than ever.
It was not until we finished the exploration of its coastline that we made our way back to the beach, where Zodiacs were ready to bring us back to our lovely ship, enjoying a beautiful sunset in the background.
