Bartolomé and Rabida
We knew something exciting was coming up. So, we had to start very early not to miss anything.
By 6:30 a.m. we were landing on Bartolomé to climb to the top of a boardwalk of about 400 wooden steps built by the National Park to prevent erosion on the fragile island. Along the path it is possible to see many interesting geological features where plants and animals are struggling to exist due to poor conditions for life. It is a journey through Galapagos’ past, from flowing lava to the arrival and establishment of species that now attract so many people from all latitudes.
When we reach the top, we are treated to the most beautiful scenery: other islands around, lava of different ages, amounts, and colors as well as sand of different colors from the broken down lava.
Later on we head onto the beach for a wet landing to start underwater activities. This is a different world, that of sharks, sting rays, colored fish, invertebrates, sea stars and others of equal importance. Impressive giant schools of small fish are everywhere.
The most exciting moment of the session was to come across a very large white tip reef shark. I had never seen one that size; that made my morning!
We spent the afternoon in a different place with different things to enjoy. Some guests kayaked along the coast where it is always possible to see plenty of wildlife like marine iguanas; boobies and pelicans diving for fish or just perched on the rocks. Turtles and sea lions are other attractions of the area. It was definitely a wonderful and enjoyable session.
Deep water snorkeling brought us so many surprises, as this location was calm with good visibility. Again we spotted turtles, playful sea lions and multiple fish congregated at one spot. A nice surprise was to see a giant manta ray go by very close to the snorkelers.
After all of these magnificent activities we are ready to go on land to witness sea lions lying on the unique red sand of the island. Further inland, a variety of land birds like finches, mockingbirds, flycatchers and warblers make this outing unforgettable, especially for their tameness.
The day ended with sunset behind the imposing volcanoes of neighbor island Isabela, our next destination.
