Bartolome and Santiago Islands
From the very first minute after the sun rose in the horizon we could predict that this would be a beautiful morning. After an early-optional wake up call, we found ourselves walking up the hill to explore the volcanic landscapes of Bartolome. As we observed the view, we couldn’t help but associate these islands with the Hawaiian landscapes. It was like walking on the moon!
The formations of these islands are so evident that you don’t need to be a geologist to understand them. Series of volcanic lava flows, some underwater and some above water, piled to form the islands that we know at present, and it’s as simple as that. As we got to the top of Bartolome, our eyes couldn’t believe the superb view! Two little half-moon type bays sparkled with green bushes here and there. It looked like a drawing took from a children’s book!
Back on board and after breakfast, we were immersed in the underwater world of the Galápagos. In some degree, we knew that we would see a large variety of sea life, but we would have never been prepared for the encounter of Galápagos penguins swimming right under us.
The afternoon’s visit to Puerto Egas started on a black lava beach. The always friendly and curious sea lions were forming the welcome committee. Once in the walk, one of the attractions was the other endemic species of sea lions, which are known as fur seals. We also found the Galápagos hawk perching on a tree, mocking birds hopping among the shrubs, marine iguanas basking on the lava, lava lizards doing their territorial displays and different species of Darwin finches just flying by.
We finished our great day with a delicious dinner and a romantic star-gazing night.
From the very first minute after the sun rose in the horizon we could predict that this would be a beautiful morning. After an early-optional wake up call, we found ourselves walking up the hill to explore the volcanic landscapes of Bartolome. As we observed the view, we couldn’t help but associate these islands with the Hawaiian landscapes. It was like walking on the moon!
The formations of these islands are so evident that you don’t need to be a geologist to understand them. Series of volcanic lava flows, some underwater and some above water, piled to form the islands that we know at present, and it’s as simple as that. As we got to the top of Bartolome, our eyes couldn’t believe the superb view! Two little half-moon type bays sparkled with green bushes here and there. It looked like a drawing took from a children’s book!
Back on board and after breakfast, we were immersed in the underwater world of the Galápagos. In some degree, we knew that we would see a large variety of sea life, but we would have never been prepared for the encounter of Galápagos penguins swimming right under us.
The afternoon’s visit to Puerto Egas started on a black lava beach. The always friendly and curious sea lions were forming the welcome committee. Once in the walk, one of the attractions was the other endemic species of sea lions, which are known as fur seals. We also found the Galápagos hawk perching on a tree, mocking birds hopping among the shrubs, marine iguanas basking on the lava, lava lizards doing their territorial displays and different species of Darwin finches just flying by.
We finished our great day with a delicious dinner and a romantic star-gazing night.
