Bartolomé & Santiago Island
If there is a real way to start a trip in the Galápagos, I believe this is the one: by having a clear understanding of how the islands were formed and how establishment began. Bartolomé Island is a jewel in geology and a vivid example of how the first species begin to colonize this harsh environment. Lava cacti and mangrove trees are some of the most remarkable pioneer types of plants, while a few lava lizards and Galápagos grasshoppers were some of the species that we saw on the way to the summit of Bartolomé island. And certainly the landscape and scenery from this point is one of the highlights of the morning activities.
Another highlight was the water experience. For those of us who got into the water, it was like heaven. A couple of diamond stingrays and white-tipped reef sharks were greeting the snorkelers, and as we went further out, the topography of the ocean floor was even better with an amazing variety of colors and tropical sea life that was well-represented with pacific green sea turtles, puffer fish, burrito grunts, parrot fish and even playful sea lions.
In the afternoon we went for another snorkeling session off the beach in Puerto Egas, which is located in the western flank of Santiago Island. And right after that, we took a walk along the shoreline where we got to see some of the most incredible tide pools. Wildlife was great, sally light foot crabs were in full colors and shore birds were spotted along the walk, as well as the Galápagos fur sea lions – a rare sighting during this outing.
If there is a real way to start a trip in the Galápagos, I believe this is the one: by having a clear understanding of how the islands were formed and how establishment began. Bartolomé Island is a jewel in geology and a vivid example of how the first species begin to colonize this harsh environment. Lava cacti and mangrove trees are some of the most remarkable pioneer types of plants, while a few lava lizards and Galápagos grasshoppers were some of the species that we saw on the way to the summit of Bartolomé island. And certainly the landscape and scenery from this point is one of the highlights of the morning activities.
Another highlight was the water experience. For those of us who got into the water, it was like heaven. A couple of diamond stingrays and white-tipped reef sharks were greeting the snorkelers, and as we went further out, the topography of the ocean floor was even better with an amazing variety of colors and tropical sea life that was well-represented with pacific green sea turtles, puffer fish, burrito grunts, parrot fish and even playful sea lions.
In the afternoon we went for another snorkeling session off the beach in Puerto Egas, which is located in the western flank of Santiago Island. And right after that, we took a walk along the shoreline where we got to see some of the most incredible tide pools. Wildlife was great, sally light foot crabs were in full colors and shore birds were spotted along the walk, as well as the Galápagos fur sea lions – a rare sighting during this outing.
