Bartolome and Santiago Islands
It couldn’t have been better!!!
Sun shining since day brake, our expedition started on the small but beautiful island of Bartholomew, the early hike was more than impressive. In fact, this island is one of the jewels in the Galápagos in terms of landscapes, and why not, also the best place for a geologist, a terrain full of cinder cones a volcanic ash where hardy pioneer plants struggle for their survival.
The hike was to take us to the very top of the island and rewarded us with the most spectacular view: the pinnacle rock, the golden beaches and James Island, where Darwin spent some days during his voyage round the world.
After breakfast, we headed to the golden beach for a short walk to the south beach were we were delighted by a swarm of ghost crabs running all around the beach and a big school of the typical harmless white-tipped reef sharks along with green sea turtles and a number of shore birds, among them the ever charming oyster catchers.
After lunch, we were on James Island. What could be better for a last day than snorkelling with sea lions in these calm waters, followed by a hike where our aim were the Galápagos fur seals. These marine mammals nearly became extinct during whalers and seal hunters days, and though numerous today, they still need protection.
This hike also included a walk on the intertidal area which is one of the best ones for bird watches and photographers due to great array of wildlife. As sun set was taking place, we were ending our walk and concluding a trip that was beyond our expectations…in this enchanted world of the western Pacific!!!
It couldn’t have been better!!!
Sun shining since day brake, our expedition started on the small but beautiful island of Bartholomew, the early hike was more than impressive. In fact, this island is one of the jewels in the Galápagos in terms of landscapes, and why not, also the best place for a geologist, a terrain full of cinder cones a volcanic ash where hardy pioneer plants struggle for their survival.
The hike was to take us to the very top of the island and rewarded us with the most spectacular view: the pinnacle rock, the golden beaches and James Island, where Darwin spent some days during his voyage round the world.
After breakfast, we headed to the golden beach for a short walk to the south beach were we were delighted by a swarm of ghost crabs running all around the beach and a big school of the typical harmless white-tipped reef sharks along with green sea turtles and a number of shore birds, among them the ever charming oyster catchers.
After lunch, we were on James Island. What could be better for a last day than snorkelling with sea lions in these calm waters, followed by a hike where our aim were the Galápagos fur seals. These marine mammals nearly became extinct during whalers and seal hunters days, and though numerous today, they still need protection.
This hike also included a walk on the intertidal area which is one of the best ones for bird watches and photographers due to great array of wildlife. As sun set was taking place, we were ending our walk and concluding a trip that was beyond our expectations…in this enchanted world of the western Pacific!!!
