Bartolome & Santiago Islands
After a great smooth navigation last night we arrived to Bartholomew Island. We anchored in front of a very famous rock formation known as the “Pinnacle rock,” which has been photographed several times for its unusual shape.
We woke up early in the morning by 06:00; we left NG Islander by 06:30 and began climbing to the summit of Bartolome Island. The desolate volcanic landscape makes Bartholomew a great introduction to the geology of Galápagos. Especially these days, with Fernandina Island erupting, our expectations are growing higher.
We observed the volcanic formations with great curiosity, but also a sleepy Galápagos snake, lava cactus, and numerous lava lizards along the trail with great astonishment. After breakfast we were ready to go out for our first snorkeling outing and we had a great one with lots of penguins swimming by us. A sea lion was spotted chasing a white-tipped reef shark away, beside the large schools of fish of all kinds, colors and sizes at the base of the pinnacle rock.
During lunch we sailed to Santiago Island. As soon as we arrived, we went ashore and some of our guests went snorkeling. Others went for an extremely pleasant walk along the dramatic coast of Puerto Egas. There we found quite a lot of marine iguanas trying to sunbathe, and lots of shore birds. We also witnessed the most aggressive fight between two male lava lizards; one was especially more aggressive than its opponent. There were all kinds of displays, and the use of tail, teeth and claws had no limits. Only one of them stayed with the territory. We watched them for awhile, and both males ignored us all the time as if we were invisible to them.
We did have the best time today!
After a great smooth navigation last night we arrived to Bartholomew Island. We anchored in front of a very famous rock formation known as the “Pinnacle rock,” which has been photographed several times for its unusual shape.
We woke up early in the morning by 06:00; we left NG Islander by 06:30 and began climbing to the summit of Bartolome Island. The desolate volcanic landscape makes Bartholomew a great introduction to the geology of Galápagos. Especially these days, with Fernandina Island erupting, our expectations are growing higher.
We observed the volcanic formations with great curiosity, but also a sleepy Galápagos snake, lava cactus, and numerous lava lizards along the trail with great astonishment. After breakfast we were ready to go out for our first snorkeling outing and we had a great one with lots of penguins swimming by us. A sea lion was spotted chasing a white-tipped reef shark away, beside the large schools of fish of all kinds, colors and sizes at the base of the pinnacle rock.
During lunch we sailed to Santiago Island. As soon as we arrived, we went ashore and some of our guests went snorkeling. Others went for an extremely pleasant walk along the dramatic coast of Puerto Egas. There we found quite a lot of marine iguanas trying to sunbathe, and lots of shore birds. We also witnessed the most aggressive fight between two male lava lizards; one was especially more aggressive than its opponent. There were all kinds of displays, and the use of tail, teeth and claws had no limits. Only one of them stayed with the territory. We watched them for awhile, and both males ignored us all the time as if we were invisible to them.
We did have the best time today!
