Bartolome & Santiago Islands
One of the best days in our lives was this first full day in paradise. An early wake-up call took us to the summit of the eroded volcano of Bartolome Island. More than 370 wooden stairs took us to this magnificent viewpoint. We could see Baltra Island, the two Daphne Islands, the western side of Isabela, and all of the surrounding islets.
The morning highlights were the geological features: the secondary cones, the lava tubes and cones, and the interesting pioneer plants like Tiquilia, Chamaesyce and lava cactus. Some little lizards were also coming out in the early morning to warm up.
Our first snorkeling lessons were also a big highlight this morning. Kids, parents, and grandparents went together around Pinnacle Rock to snorkel with penguins, sharks and huge stingrays.
After lunch we had two afternoon outings. Our keen snorkelers shared their time with sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks and lots of colorful tropical fish. Our hikers took a walk along the shoreline of Puerto Egas in Santiago Island, seeing lots of shore birds, Galápagos doves, anis, mockingbirds and flight catchers. Two couples of nesting oystercatchers on the beach made for the best highlight of the day.
One of the best days in our lives was this first full day in paradise. An early wake-up call took us to the summit of the eroded volcano of Bartolome Island. More than 370 wooden stairs took us to this magnificent viewpoint. We could see Baltra Island, the two Daphne Islands, the western side of Isabela, and all of the surrounding islets.
The morning highlights were the geological features: the secondary cones, the lava tubes and cones, and the interesting pioneer plants like Tiquilia, Chamaesyce and lava cactus. Some little lizards were also coming out in the early morning to warm up.
Our first snorkeling lessons were also a big highlight this morning. Kids, parents, and grandparents went together around Pinnacle Rock to snorkel with penguins, sharks and huge stingrays.
After lunch we had two afternoon outings. Our keen snorkelers shared their time with sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks and lots of colorful tropical fish. Our hikers took a walk along the shoreline of Puerto Egas in Santiago Island, seeing lots of shore birds, Galápagos doves, anis, mockingbirds and flight catchers. Two couples of nesting oystercatchers on the beach made for the best highlight of the day.
