Our last day was spent on the Island of San Cristobal (formerly known as Chatham), one of the oldest islands, located at the eastern tip of the archipelago.
In the morning we did our last hike, a beautiful one, to reach the plateau at Punta Pitt, an impressive volcanic terrain with patches of red Sesuvium, a succulent plant, at the northeastern end of this large island with an outstanding view of this geological formation, once explored by Charles Darwin, 179 years ago. This is one of the few visitor sites where you can see red-footed boobies nesting, along with Nazca Boobies, blue-footed boobies, and frigate birds.
Following the hike, or Zodiac cruises along the shore for those who couldn’t do the hike, we spent time on the sparkling golden beach where sea lions were swimming and sunbathing, which once again delighted our guests.
Once all were back aboard, Lynn, our expedition leader, briefed us about Sunday’s departures details. During lunch we sailed towards the scenic offshore islet, located near the western coast of San Cristobal Island. Called Leon Dormido, or Kicker Rock in English, it is a remainder of a volcanic tuff cone that has split in two. Since the waters here are so deep, we cannot drop our anchor, so the ship was simply waiting alongside this isolated rocky outcrop. Many of us jumped into the water at the base of these towering cliffs to enjoy our last deep water snorkel, which was spectacular! Lots of sea turtles, rays, colourful fish, dozens of black-tipped reef sharks, and some scalloped hammerhead sharks were just beneath and around us!
Once we were all back onboard, with our bodies full of adrenaline after an incredible adventure, we had time to pace our hearts again and enjoy a beautiful afternoon with drinks on deck while circumnavigating this unique formation.
Later on, during sunset, we travelled to our final anchorage. Wreck Bay, right in front of the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, is home to some 8,000 inhabitants and the political capital of the Ecuadorian province of Galapagos. After dinner our guests had the opportunity to explore the little town, do some last-minute shopping, and of course enjoy one more time the sounds and smells of dozens of sea lions having fun and resting at the benches along the coastal road of town!
