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A very pleasant breakfast. The ship anchorsed in sight of the volcanic moonscape of Isla Bartolomé, at Sullivan Bay. Zodiacs bring us ashore to ascend a boardwalk of 388 steps. Passing through the arid volcanic landscape provides a chance to watch for lava lizards, Galapagos Hawks, and Blue-footed Boobies. The boardwalk was a mixture of inclines and steps, and we stopped fairly regularly to learn about how the rocks had formed. We went ashore here with Paul McFarlane as our guide: he was excellent.
The ultimate reward is one of the most beautiful panoramas in all of the Galapagos Islands – the view towards Pinnacle Rock with black, volcanic cones of Baltra, Daphne Major and Daphne Minor in the distance. There was an impressive Caldera and a magnificent pinnacle structure
On the way down we saw how the sunlight catches the green of pioneering plant species in stark contrast against dark volcanic rock.
Back at sea level we had some time swimming and snorkeling from the golden beach. And Chris tried snorkelling (again) but decided (again) that it was not for her. The whole experience was over organised,, and as the bossy lady in charge would not let David swim by himself, he too decided not to snorkel with the platoon that was being corraled together
We went into lunch soon after 12 o’clock. David saw a fantastic pod of dolphins,but the camera was in the cabin. Lunch was very civilised in the main dining room.
Click on any of the thumbnail photos for a larger version
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Afterwards Chris had a siesta and we went out again for a zodiac ride again with Paul. This was Buccaneers Bay and there were many interesting structures like the Bishop which have been formed due to volcanic activity. On the fauna front, there were blue fotted boobys, seal lions and golden rays
17th and 18th century buccaneers used to take sanctuary on Santiago Island, particularly stopping in the protected bay we now know as Buccaneer Cove. Red tuff cliffs stand about 50 meters high and form a protective screen on the short, shadowy beach. Pirates and marauders took shelter in the cover and stocked up on water and food before setting back out into the seas to commit their dastardly deeds.
We had a lecture on Volcanology by Javi and then Paulina introduced all the lecturers, and the captain introduced other key members of the crew. We had dinner with Paul and had very interesting conversations learning about his 30 years on and off in Galapagos. It was, in fact, his first venture into guiding with SilverSea.
Click on any of the thumbnail photos for a larger version
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On to Monday 11 March - Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela) & Punta Espinoza, Fernandina-