Today we started our day on the western side of Santiago Island. After an early wake up call, we landed at Espumilla Beach. It is a place covered with an interesting mix of volcanic ashes and olivine sand where we spotted sea turtles mating very close to the beach. There were a few tracks made by sea turtles and holes made by ghost crabs. After crossing a button mangrove forest we passed by a dry brackish lagoon, evidence of the cold, dry season that we are experiencing. Then we continued through an area covered by huge Palo Santos trees where the wet soil gave off a very enjoyable smell. A couple of Galapagos hawks and mockingbirds were spotted, then we went back to beach and back onboard National Geographic Islander. It was a great experience.
In the late morning we visited Buccaneer Cove. Here we had a number of activities such as kayaking, enjoying the impressive landscape of the place and snorkeling. During the snorkeling we spotted surgeon fish, king angel fish, Moorish idols, parrot fish, snappers, grunts, Galapagos sea lions, white tipped reef sharks, eagle rays and many other species of reef fishes. The water visibility was over 50 feet and water temperature around 73F, what a great combination!
In the afternoon we landed on the black volcanic sandy beach. Some of our guests went snorkeling and the rest enjoyed a hike along the coast of James, or Santiago, Island. Here we had the chance to walk along the coast where we found some interesting lava formations known as grottos. Fur seals and sea lions were laying on them, and different species of shore birds were also in the area. We saw semi palmate plover, sanderlings, ruddy turnstones, lots of marine iguanas, American oyster catchers, and much more. After witnessing an incredible sunset we headed back to the National Geographic Islander.
Just another day in paradise!
