The last full day of our expedition around the magical Galápagos Archipelago started with an invigorating hike to the summit of a volcanic plateau at a location known as Punta Pitt.
The first part of the hike to the plateau is considered a vigorous one for we have to climb up a very old eroded ridge, but once you arrive at the top and enjoy the extraordinary view, you can easily realize that every single step worth the effort of the ascent.
Further along the trail it is possible to admire a dreamlike volcanic landscape with large patches of very interesting plants, such as the bright red carpetweed (sesuvium spp) and green patches of nolana (nolana galapagensis), both succulent plants, as well as several patches of the rather dull, in comparison, gray mat plants (tiquilia spp). These create together, with the golden ochre of the surroundings, a colorful and impressive mosaic that it is hard to describe with words.
We had the option to go for Zodiac rides instead of the hike as well. Many seabirds, including red-footed boobies, were seen together with Galapagos sea lions on the volcanic rocky outcrops of the coastline and surrounding islets.
After the hike or the Zodiac ride we went for a refreshing dip in the waters of the Pacific Ocean or just spent time on the beach relaxing or sunbathing. A large group of Galapagos sea lions live in this beach; they were admired and photographed while we visited their home beach. Inquisitive San Cristobal mockingbirds were seen all over as well. Some followed us along the trail while others tried unsuccessfully to steal some water from our bottles. Some San Cristobal lava lizards were spotted as well in the vicinities of the sea lions trying to catch flies.
During lunch we sailed towards “Leon Dormido,” also known as “Kicker Rock.” This magnificent offshore eroded volcanic tuff cone is located on the western coast of San Cristobal Island. It is one of the most-well known volcanic trademarks of the Galapagos and one of the most photographed as well.
We had a couple of activities planned. Snorkeling enthusiasts jumped into the water at the base of the huge cliffs of Kicker Rock to be part of a spectacular snorkeling outing among many colorful schools of fish and occasional curious sharks. Late in the afternoon and once all the snorkelers came back on board, we enjoyed a beautiful afternoon with a glass of champagne in our hands on the foredeck of the ship while circumnavigating Kicker Rock.
The expedition this week around the magical Galapagos Islands has come to an end, but all the passion, admiration,and love that this enchanted group of islands evokes in our visitors’ hearts and minds will be part of their lives forever.
