Bartolomé Island and Sombrero Chino
The Galápagos Islands certainly are one of the ultimate wildlife paradises on Earth. This morning we explored a couple of islands located in the central part of the Galápagos Archipelago. Here, wildlife and landscapes form a special blend of flavors and scenes.
In the early morning at sunrise we visited Bartolomé Island; we had a great time climbing up the flanks of the main volcano of this small island. It is just lava and volcanic ash with some hardy pioneer plants growing here and there. These organisms showcase of the process of colonization on a barren island.
At midmorning we explored another place on the same island. This time we paid a visit to the marine life of the shallow shore. Tropical fish are abundant; the water at this time is warm and very enjoyable. While snorkeling we had the opportunity to swim with penguins.
Galápagos penguins made our day! We met them at the snorkeling site and later on we took a Zodiac ride to photograph them on the shore. These birds are the only type of penguin that lives in tropical Galápagos.
The second destination was a little islet called Chinese Hat due to its particular shape. This volcano is a young place in the archipelago therefore vegetation is at the very beginning of the colonization process. The wildlife in this place is superb! Just think of a combination of creatures from cool regions like penguins and sea lions and on the other snakes, lizards, and cactuses from the desert.
Great day!
