Bartolome & Santiago Islands
Few things justify a 6:00 am wake-up call. The 360 degree view from the highest point of Bartolome Island is one of those things. 347 steps up, atop Bartolome’s volcanic peak we gazed upon many of the Galápagos’ breathtaking islands: the 4 brothers, Isabella, the major and minor Daphnes to name a few. Only an hour or two later, we were walking along Bartolome’s pristine beach, admiring an unexpected congregation of white tipped reef sharks, mere feet from the shore. A short climb over sand dunes and we were wading into the ocean to snorkel along the island’s coast. The rocky topography was teeming with life, from a Galápagos Conch to a sting ray, from puffer fish to sea urchins. Then, back to the Polaris for a short ride to the western shore of Santiago Island. Another snorkeling expedition brought memorable encounters with sea turtles and sea lions careening through the algae strewn rocks. Being yet another volcanic island, Santiago held many geological wonders of its own. A leisurely walk on the island’s tuff ash and rocky shoreline led us to one of these spectacles: the Santiago lava tunnels. Standing out (or perhaps sitting down) among these was the infamous Darwin’s Grotto (and toilet!). This geological phenomenon consisted of a narrow chamber formed by a past lava flow. Erosion had allowed parts of the chamber to become exposed; such was the case for Darwin’s Toilet. Upon gazing deeply into the dark, innocent water of another open stretch, we were unpleasantly surprised by a young, conniving sea lion who sprang from the depths, teeth barred. Ah, the joys of sea lion youth, terrorizing tourists and such. As we began our trek back to the shoreline, dolphins could be seen dancing on the shimmering reflection of the sunset.
Few things justify a 6:00 am wake-up call. The 360 degree view from the highest point of Bartolome Island is one of those things. 347 steps up, atop Bartolome’s volcanic peak we gazed upon many of the Galápagos’ breathtaking islands: the 4 brothers, Isabella, the major and minor Daphnes to name a few. Only an hour or two later, we were walking along Bartolome’s pristine beach, admiring an unexpected congregation of white tipped reef sharks, mere feet from the shore. A short climb over sand dunes and we were wading into the ocean to snorkel along the island’s coast. The rocky topography was teeming with life, from a Galápagos Conch to a sting ray, from puffer fish to sea urchins. Then, back to the Polaris for a short ride to the western shore of Santiago Island. Another snorkeling expedition brought memorable encounters with sea turtles and sea lions careening through the algae strewn rocks. Being yet another volcanic island, Santiago held many geological wonders of its own. A leisurely walk on the island’s tuff ash and rocky shoreline led us to one of these spectacles: the Santiago lava tunnels. Standing out (or perhaps sitting down) among these was the infamous Darwin’s Grotto (and toilet!). This geological phenomenon consisted of a narrow chamber formed by a past lava flow. Erosion had allowed parts of the chamber to become exposed; such was the case for Darwin’s Toilet. Upon gazing deeply into the dark, innocent water of another open stretch, we were unpleasantly surprised by a young, conniving sea lion who sprang from the depths, teeth barred. Ah, the joys of sea lion youth, terrorizing tourists and such. As we began our trek back to the shoreline, dolphins could be seen dancing on the shimmering reflection of the sunset.
