Bartolomé & Santiago Islands
What a wonderful day we had today.
After an early optional wake up call we started our day for a 376-wooden-step climb, reaching an impressive view of the world famous Pinnacle Rock at Bartolomé Island. On this pre-breakfast walk we were impressed by the lava formations as we considered this undersized island the open book of geology. Cinder cones, lava flows, and volcanic ash were our prop from which small but mighty plants, insects and lizards make their daily life.
Back onboard and soon after our breakfast we had our safety briefing from our Expedition Leader, while the naturalists were deploying the snorkeling gear. We went back to Bartolomé, but this time for our chance to search for adventure in this wonderful underwater realm. A balmy 79 degrees Fahrenheit was the temperature at this calm and clear ocean; sea lions, white tipped reef sharks, puffer fish, and even Galápagos penguins were our companions in this unique ecosystem. Some of us went snorkeling while others swam along the cost; even a few decided to stroll down the beach.
Later, to get ready for our next disembarkation, our captain repositioned the ship, and our chefs proudly presented a delicious Ecuadorian typical buffet. An array of colors flavors and herbs makes this lunch an extraordinary one.
After eating we had a wet landing at a black sand beach; this is Puerto Egas. We started with water activities – snorkeling and kayaking – and soon after, a walk to the grottos. The shoreline of this island has many surprises like marine iguanas, fur-seals, Sally Lightfoot crab, and many more surprises.
Tonight we are sharing our outstanding day. There is much excitement, for every experience and each digital picture brings a smile and a memory. It was our first full day in this wonderful place called the Galápagos Islands.
