Waking around 6:30 a.m. to explore the pristine Espumilla Beach is a fitting way to begin a day full of adventure and rich Ecuadorian wildlife. Ghost crabs, sea turtles, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, mockingbirds, and a handful of sharks were all up for viewing, and some of us even went kayaking along the island’s coast!
Soon after a tasty breakfast, we headed for Buccaneer’s Cove. Some guests went snorkeling—an amazing experience—while others went for a Zodiac ride to observe more wildlife above the surface. Geology is another spectacular facet here at Santiago Island. Captivating rock formations included one, close to 50 feet high, depicting the shape of a monk praying, and another in the form of an elephant entering a river.
In the afternoon we explored the amazing coastline of Puerto Egas, where we encountered small bunches of Galapagos sea lions and fur seals. Friendliness on their part meant that we were granted to get some amazing close-ups of both as they swam inside the local grottos.
To finish a fantastic day, we had a terrific sunset, followed by a BBQ dinner in the outer deck. It simply does not get better.
