Bartolomé and Santiago
Our last full day at the Galápagos began with an early visit to one of the most picturesque islands, an island that from a distance looks barren and stark, but once you set foot on it you can understand the wonder of this place. Every step of the way is a geology lesson that begins with a cinder trail – small lava tubes that look like huge roots flowing down from the summit. The volcano and spatter cones create something like a lunar landscape.
As we climbed the wooden steps to discover a new geological formation, we were able to catch our breath and enjoy the magnificent view, but the best was still to come. When we finally reached the summit we were rewarded with a view of the stunting Pinnacle Rock and the golden beach that is divided by a forest of mangroves, salt bushes and prickly bushes.
After breakfast we went for a cold but beautiful snorkeling outing along the coast by Pinnacle Rock. The colorful fish swam among the green algae that covered the rocks. The parrot fish at this site were the biggest that we had seen so far, and the red Panamic cushion sea stars added color to the sandy bottom.
This startling scene was shared with the glass-bottom boaters who enjoyed great wildlife sightings without getting wet.
In the afternoon at Puerto Egas, on James Island, the snorkelers swam with sea turtles, sea lions and colorful tropical fish; while the walkers enjoyed a stroll along the coast.
This coastline has some spectacular grottos, home to the endemic Galápagos fur seals and sea lions that prefer the sandy parts of the coast. Marine iguanas and shore birds were there to say goodbye and also to remind us that these islands are unique in time, and that they will live here and remain innocent as long as we care for them.
