Today was our last full day exploring this enchanted archipelago. We have had a wonderful journey full of surprises and special events. Santiago is the third largest island of the Galapagos. Geologically speaking, the island is about 2.2 million years old, but some areas are just 250 years old. Early risers explored Espumilla Beach. Marine turtles nest here, and visitors can spot young hawks hunting along the shoreline, blue-footed boobies diving for food, and ghost crabs scurrying along the greenish beach. Mangroves and palo santo trees cover the beach.
Later, we moved to Buccaneer Cove. We kayaked along the coast in search of wildlife and took tours in the glass-bottom boat. Snorkeling was superb! We spotted eagle rays, manta rays, a wide variety of multicolored fish, sea stars, and whitetip reef sharks. After lunch, we moved just three miles away to Puerto Egas. We made a wet landing on a black beach populated by creatures such as sea lions, lava lizards, and pelicans. Guests relaxed on the beach or took a swim. Later, we trekked inland to explore the coast. The tide was low, making it ideal for exploration. The intertidal zone was exposed, and we spotted oystercatchers, plovers, sandpipers, willets, whimbrels, and striated herons. At the end of the trail, we found a very small colony of Galapagos fur sea lions basking under the sun.
We have had a wonderful journey exploring this magnificent island. Our guests are happy that they had the opportunity to experience the Galapagos dream.
