Bartolomé & Rabida Island
These two islands are very small compared with the archipelago’s largest, but both provide a high degree of interest for our visitors. The first is considered an open book on geology. With more than 30 spatters cones, lava tubes and cinder cones, this island has proven to be a great place to explore and ponder just how all of this was formed? Later in the morning we disembarked at one of the two golden beaches to relax and have some water activities. This spot is considered among the best places for snorkeling, and this morning was no exception as we saw a lot of tropical and cold water fish, apart from that we saw two white-tipped sharks and a Galápagos penguin as well.
To continue with our exploration we had to sail toward Rabida Island, and as soon as we arrived at this location we lower our Zodiacs and kayaks to start our activities. At the same time that we sent one group out kayaking in calm turquoise waters, we sent snorkelers to the same location.
To describe these activities in words will never be the same as being there in person. A big group of blue-footed boobies was plunge diving among our snorkelers and kayakers. For those on board the kayaks the geology of this small island is very beautiful because those vivid colors and dramatic rocks make this area so interesting.
After these activities we returned to the ship — not to stay but to prepare to disembark again — this time at a red colored beach where the trail is very short but its beauty is so unique. Along the trail we spotted Galápagos mockingbirds, Galápagos flycatchers, Galápagos lava lizards, Galápagos sea lions, Galápagos doves and other species as well.
All of them had adopted as part of their name “Galápagos,” not because we simply like the name, but because they are found in this archipelago and nowhere else in the world. And that is the main reason why Galápagos is so famous, and as I said, before no matter how many books you read or films you see before coming to Galápagos, it will never provide you the kind of excitement that you feel being here in person.
Galápagos is here and will be for generations to come, and we will be here waiting to share it.
