It was our first full day of exploration in the Galápagos and we are all very excited to visit Bartolome and Rabida Islands. Our day started with a pre-breakfast walk followed by swimming off of the ship. Shortly afterwards we had a well-deserved breakfast.
After visiting an island like North Seymour yesterday with an abundance of fauna, it was quite a contrast to encounter Bartolome’s barren moonscape. The landscape was like an open book of geology with many features of Galapagos geology all in one place. When we got to the top of the trail, the view from 370 feet above sea level was breathtaking!
Later in the morning, we went deep water snorkeling in ideal conditions: crystal clear waters and a surprisingly warm temperature in the water for this season. After spotting white-tipped reef sharks and many other species, we also spent quality time on the beach.
After all the activities in the morning, we all looked forward to lunch. Our galley staff prepared a wonderful Ecuadorian buffet lunch with food from all regions of the country.
In the afternoon some guests explored by kayak the coastal zone of Rabida Island. Some went deep water snorkeling, while others took walks along a red sand beach. During these outings, a group of playful fur seals joined the snorkelers, while other guests spotted a Galápagos penguin searching for food and a solitary greater flamingo feeing in a brackish water lagoon.
