February 11

 Day 4:  February 11

Bartolome Island / Sullivan Bay.  Visit Bartolome for a guided tour to see the island's dramatic volcanic features.  Continue to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness the giant lava formations contrasting with the white-coral-sand beach.

Morning.  Bartolome Island visit.  Hike to Bartolome's summit for a stronger perspective of the island's not-too-distant volcanic origins, and enjoy a panoramic view - it's one of the best among the islands!  See other Galapagos Islands in the distance as well as Pinnacle Rock, the island's famous towering landmark.

Morning.  Snorkeling (Bartolome Island).  Take the opportunity to swim and snorkel along the shore, home to one of the most iconic volcanic rock formations on the islands.  Home to Galapagos penguins, friendly sea lions, sea turtles, and a huge variety of fish.  Bartolome and its surrounding waters are a fantastic place to explore the natural wonders of the Galapagos.  

Afternoon.  Sullivan Bay visit.  Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to see one of its star attractions - striking and fascinating giant lava formations.  Very few plants have managed to survive on this island due to its harsh environment and relatively new lava flow.  Enjoy a walk along the lava formations before coming to a white-coral-sand beach, where abundant Sally Lightfoot crabs and sea lions gather on shore.

Afternoon.  Snorkeling (Sullivan Bay).  Enjoy a cool dip after exploring Sullivan Bay on foot.  Grab a snorkel and discover many species of fish and other marine life in the shallow waters.  Keep an eye out for turtles, rays, and large schools of colourful fish.  

We travelled during the night once again, and find ourselves anchored off of Bartolome Island this morning.  Pinnacle Rock right outside our window.  The summit of the island, which we will hike up to this morning, is on the left of the picture.

We have a new ship nearby us this morning.  Apparently this one is a National Geographic boat.  The name is Evolution.


Moon Guidebook:  Bartolome Island - This tiny island off the southeast coast of Santiago is one of the most photographed sights in the archipelago.  A wooden staircase leads 114 metres up to a summit with a breathtaking view.  In the foreground the mangroves are flanked on either side by twin half-moon beaches.  Rising up behind is the famous 40m high Pinnacle Rock, a jagged volcanic formation that has endured years of erosion as well as the US Air Force using it for target practice during WWII.  The blackened lava fields of Santiago in the background complete a perfect photograph.  

At 7:30 we took a short dinghy ride to hike up to the summit.  Bartolome is a very barren volcanic island.  There are a few hardy plants growing and a few lizards running about but a real change from previous days.  Next to no birds about. 



Here are a few pictures from the start of our hike.


 

This is the only type of “plant” that we saw. 

 

Lots of interesting rock features.



 

Lots of good views as we get higher. 






And finally – the classic summit view.








And - of course - the obligatory group photo at the top.............

 

And down.........




......... to the dinghies...............


...............and around the corner to look for …………….  Penguins!  We just saw this one fellow resting on a rock.


 

Back to the boat, snack, wardrobe change, and we were off to snorkeling.  The boat moved about 10 minutes to get us in position for the snorkel outing.  Great spot and conditions – and we saw sharks and rays.  Saw lots of new fish as well.  I’ve given up on my iPhone, so I hope Oswaldo got some good shots.  Again - it seems he has just posted videos.

Back to the boat, snacks, laundry, and lunch – before another snorkel and hike. 

First the snorkel.  In Sullivan Bay this time.  More of the same – lots of fish + sharks + rays.  It was raining when we set out and I think everyone was feeling a bit cold. 

Wardrobe change and off for another hike.  We were on Santiago Island this time.  

The Moon Guidebook says this:  Sullivan Bay is one of the most popular sites on the island (Santiago).  It is a bay on the east side.  An eruption in 1897 left the area covered in mesmerizing patterns of black lava, known as pahoehoe (a Hawaiian word for rope) because of its tendency to buckle when it cools.  The lava's glassy, almost ceramic feel comes from its high silicate content.  The walk is a 1.5 km loop and is very uneven.  

What a lava wonderland!  It had stopped raining during the snorkel so we got in the full planned hike.  Except for Anna (and Michael) who sprained her ankle a short way into the hike.  The most recent lava flow here was in 1793 (said Oswaldo).  Still no vegetation where that flow is, but other parts of the island have had time to create some soil and have a little bit of green stuff.  The designs in the lava were absolutely amazing!  I wish I were a better photographer.  I could have spent hours just walking around on the stuff.  Here’s a small sample………..











Photo by Oswaldo

 

 






The rain started up again just as we got in the dinghies to head “home”.  And of course – snacks and beverages waiting for us upon arrival.  As I type this (between snacks and briefing/dinner) we are moving to our next destination.  Looking forward to seeing what tomorrow holds………… 

But first - another buffet dinner.  Typical layout.............



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