Bartolome Island & Puerto Egas
Today was a fantastic day in the natural paradise of the Galápagos Islands. We started a splendid hike up the stairs of Bartolome Island early in the morning. It was a wonderful sunny day and we were surprised at the beginning of the trail by a colorful lava lizard. As we started the way up, the sunrise made us have just a perfect view of the sunken volcanic cone.
We had the opportunity to look at all the magic of the landscape step by step. The spatter cones looked like melted chocolate as if it were yesterday when they erupted. As soon as we arrived on top of the tuff cone, the great view of the Pinnacle Rock made it worth walking all the way up. The way down was just perfect before the rocks get quite too hot.
After eating a delicious breakfast, we got everything ready for snorkeling and swimming activities. After arriving at the beautiful beach of Bartolome Island, we could not help but get into the water and enjoy a wonderful swim with curious penguins, and playful sea lions. Once underwater, we were surrounded by so many colorful reef fish that it felt like swimming inside a giant fish tank. By the time we came back aboard the National Geographic Islander, a spectacular Ecuadorian lunch was waiting for us.
In the afternoon, it was so peaceful to spend some time lying on an attractive black sand beach of Puerto Egas on Santiago Island. We had the opportunity to look at the sea lion alpha male patrolling the territory; but something that kept all the eyes of our guests was a Galápagos hawk flying around looking for prey.
Once the hike to the grottos started, we were fascinated by all the wildlife that is found all over the inter-tidal zone. We saw big marine iguanas, a lot of shore birds, and the cute fur seals at the end of the trail.
On the way back, it was so amazing the amount of mockingbirds on top of the trees as if they were an organized gang waiting for visitors to pass. The most spectacular moment was to enjoy the sunset as we left this charming island behind.
