We have had a great expedition around the enchanted Galapagos Islands.  We woke up today at the astonishing volcanic landscape of Punta Pitt, located on the northeastern side of San Cristobal Island. It was a rather misty morning in contrast to the shiny days we have had during the whole week. This refreshing soft and warm rain is locally known as “garua” and it is typical during this time of the year.

There were two options offered to explore this area. One of them was a fairly long walk after a wet landing to climb up using a dry, old and steep natural entrance to a plateau where we could view the extraordinary volcanic landscape. We found red-footed boobies nesting or flying around, challenging the strong winds and wet conditions present in the area.  

The second option was a Zodiac ride along the volcanic coastline and into the nearby small islets. We were extremely lucky today for we observed all three species of boobies in the same morning! Red-footed booby, Nazca booby and blue-footed booby were seen all together. We observed several Galápagos sea lions, magnificent and great frigate birds, brown noddy terns, and brown pelicans as well.

After the walk and the Zodiac ride we had the chance to go for a good dip in the warm waters on Punta Pitt. The ocean was not calm at all. Strong waves were hitting the coastline. At the landing beach we were accompanied by some Galapagos sea lions that were tossing and turning or swimming.

In the afternoon, ocean waters calmed down a lot and we went for the last deep water snorkeling outing of the week. It was an exciting one! We went snorkeling along the cliffs of the famous Kicker Rock. This old eroded tuff cone, also known as “León Dormido,” is a volcanic trademark of San Cristobal Island. This outing was extraordinary for our guests swam in warm waters (79°F) with colorful schools of fish, and many sharks that were seen all over. We came onboard to circumnavigate around León Dormido as the sun was slowly disappearing under the horizon. Later in the evening after dinner we had the chance to stroll around the streets of a painteresque town, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital city of the Galapagos Islands.

Everlasting feelings and memories will be taken away in the hearts and minds of the participants of this expedition around these fascinating islands.