3 October 2011
Bartolome Island is a little island off the larger Santiago Island. These islands are much newer than those we have seen up until now with their volcanic origin still very evident. In the bay we anchor in there is a volcanic cone that becomes much more visible when we look down on it. We start the day with an ascent of a volcano on Santiago Island – it is a very strange and alien landscape with only a few plants managing to cling in crevices in the barren rocks. The black rock is very hot and challenges us on our climb up to the lighthouse – thank goodness it is the cool season and still early in the morning. But the views from the top (and on the way up) are absolutely spectacular and thoroughly worth it.
We go on several trips in the rubber dinghies (pangas) around the rocky coastline in search of Galapagos penguins. We are very pleased to see seven penguins because we have been told that recently they have only been seeing one or two. We also discovered how difficult it was to take photos in a small boat on surging waves!
In the afternoon we visit Sullivan Bay and see all the weird and wonderful lava formations.
For similar trips see:
Explore South America with Intrepid Travel
(a range of different travel styles – see my post on travel styles)
Peregrine Adventures Travel Destinations (Comfort and independent tours)
Geckos Adventures (for 18 to 30s)
Note: After people telling me they had booked an Intrepid Tour on my recommendation, I now have affiliate links with the Intrepid Travel group of companies and may receive a commission if you book a tour online within a couple of months after clicking through to these sites. So if you are enjoying my tips and stories and finding them useful in choosing your own travel, please click on these links and help me to bring you more ☺.
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