After a pleasant night, we found the National Geographic Endeavour anchored in the calm bay of Bartolome Island in the morning. This 1.2-squaqre-kilometer island is named after naturalist Sir Bartholomew James Sullivan, who was a Lieutenant aboard HMS Beagle. This island is an open book for geology due to the several geological features found in the area. For instance, a volcanic moonscape of rust-colored spatter cones contrast with large light brown tuff cones and grimy lava flows. Over time, the action of erosion has created bizarre features on the soft volcanic ash giving life to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the archipelago. Because the island is also found in the rain shadow of the larger island of Santa Cruz, few plant species can withstand the drought conditions that occur here creating a perfect scenic environment to understand the arrival and establishment of the different species found in the Galápagos Islands.
Today we enjoyed a combination of hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and Zodiac riding. We started with a splendid hike up the stairs of Bartolome Island early in the morning to enjoy a beautiful landscape. After breakfast we headed back to Bartolome, but this time to snorkel and swim from the golden beach of the island around Pinnacle Rock. We couldn’t wait to get into the water and enjoy a wonderful experience with curious penguins, sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, colorful reef fish, and playful sea lions.
In the afternoon, the National Geographic Endeavour dropped anchor just in front of Sombrero Chino Island or Chinese Hat. Our first outing in the afternoon was snorkeling along the channel that separates the islands of Santiago and Chinese Hat. White-tipped reef sharks and eagle rays swimming indifferently close to us were a big attraction. We were drifted by the currents observing many different species of colorful fish such as king angel fish, salemas, parrotfish, and some sting rays hiding their bodies under the sandy floor. After a short period of time in the water, it was unbelievable to have the opportunity to witness marine iguanas foraging in the ocean. Almost finishing the snorkeling, a group of penguins approached us swimming very fast like torpedoes, trying to catch small salemas and anchovies.
Our day finished riding the Zodiacs along the seashore of Sombrero Chino, observing a spectacular sunset and penguins heading to their shelters.
