Today we woke anchored in the northern region of Bartholomew Island, from where we boarded the Zodiacs just after sunrise to reach land for a light morning excursion. Walking along the guided path shows the succession of the island’s flora and fauna, telling also the story of endemic plants settling on newly formed islands and later paving the way for other life forms to establish on the island. Give this process a few thousand years’ time (or more) to accumulate organic material, and you’ll eventually end up with soil.
The walk was pleasant one, as the sun was just starting to warm the area. Reaching the summit, we looked out to Pinnacle Rock and James Island in the backdrop.
Following breakfast, we snorkeled beside sea lions, penguins, and white-tipped reef sharks, and in the added company of large sea stars and reef fish.
It was time to eat again before we knew it. And after a lunch of classic Ecuadorian fare, we reached the rust-red soils of Jervis Island. Here we proceeded with more snorkeling, kayaks, and a short inland walk. A day full of activities ends in paradise.
