Bartolome & Santiago Islands
Today started with an early morning hike up 376 steps to the lighthouse on Bartolome Island. The dramatic foreground of the volcanic cones was offset by the beaches below, where we spent the rest of the morning hiking and snorkeling. Many species of fish were active along the reef, as well as some more sea lions. Quite a few of us were lucky enough to see the endemic Galápagos penguins diving and fishing just below us in the water. They were unafraid and did not seem to notice us bobbing above them. There were also quite a few white tipped reef sharks that appeared to be snoozing on the sandy bottom, also unbothered.
After lunch and our quick trip over to Santiago Island, we had another chance to snorkel, this time at a black sand beach. This proved to be a perfect finish for the week, allowing hikers to revisit our friends the marine iguanas, as well as sea lions, fur sea lions, and a plethora of shorebirds. Snorkelers had a final chance to play with the active sea lion pups, and a few even swam with a marine turtle.
Just as the sun sank behind the island, the last of us relented and came back to the Polaris for the final dinner onboard. Thanks to the enthusiasm of the crew, naturalists, and all of the guests this week, we’ve enjoyed the best of what the islands have to offer. It seems that no one will leave tomorrow without some regret and a lot of gratitude.
Today started with an early morning hike up 376 steps to the lighthouse on Bartolome Island. The dramatic foreground of the volcanic cones was offset by the beaches below, where we spent the rest of the morning hiking and snorkeling. Many species of fish were active along the reef, as well as some more sea lions. Quite a few of us were lucky enough to see the endemic Galápagos penguins diving and fishing just below us in the water. They were unafraid and did not seem to notice us bobbing above them. There were also quite a few white tipped reef sharks that appeared to be snoozing on the sandy bottom, also unbothered.
After lunch and our quick trip over to Santiago Island, we had another chance to snorkel, this time at a black sand beach. This proved to be a perfect finish for the week, allowing hikers to revisit our friends the marine iguanas, as well as sea lions, fur sea lions, and a plethora of shorebirds. Snorkelers had a final chance to play with the active sea lion pups, and a few even swam with a marine turtle.
Just as the sun sank behind the island, the last of us relented and came back to the Polaris for the final dinner onboard. Thanks to the enthusiasm of the crew, naturalists, and all of the guests this week, we’ve enjoyed the best of what the islands have to offer. It seems that no one will leave tomorrow without some regret and a lot of gratitude.
