Today we woke up in one of the most spectacular settings found in the Galapagos, right in front of popular Pinnacle Rock on Bartolome Island. We started our morning with a pre-breakfast hike all the way to the top of the island. Non-hikers had the chance to take a Zodiac tour. By 8:00 am, we had seen penguins, toured alongside dolphins in the Zodiacs, and witnessed the most amazing geological formations.
Bartolome Island is a volcanic islet located in the Galápagos Islands. It is known for its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. The island is relatively small and covers an area of just 1.2 square kilometers (0.5 square miles). It is famous for its iconic landmark, Pinnacle Rock, which is a distinctive volcanic formation rising from the ocean.
The area is also known to hold a small population of Galápagos penguins, the only penguin species found in the Northern Hemisphere. These penguins have adapted to the warm climate of the islands and are the second smallest penguin species in the world. They primarily inhabit the western part of the archipelago, including Bartolome Island.
We spent the entire morning here. During lunch, we navigated to Chinese Hat. Also known as Sombrero Chino, Chinese Hat is another small, volcanic island located near Santiago Island in the Galápagos archipelago. It derives its name from its appearance, as the shape of the island resembles a traditional Chinese hat. Similar to Bartolome, Chinese Hat is characterized by volcanic formations.
Once we arrived, we got ready for water activities. Guests went kayaking and snorkeling, and others boarded Zodiacs for a coastal exploration during sunset.
The geology here is so interesting. The islands were formed through volcanic activity millions of years ago. They are located on the Nazca Plate, a tectonic plate in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Volcanic eruptions occurred over time and shaped the islands, creating a diverse range of landscapes and geological features.
What a great day we had in the Galapagos!
