Breakfast service. Deep-water snorkeling. Bartolome. Dry landing. Nature walk*
Bartolome Island
This is the most photographed and visited island in Galapagos. It has very few plants. It is home to an extinct volcano as well as a variety red, orange and green volcanic formations. Pinnacle rock, also known as the Tuff Cone, is one of the most well-known features on the island. This large, black, partially eroded lava form was formed when magma from the volcano reached sea level. The seawaters cool the hot lava and cause an explosion. The fragments that exploded eventually fuse together to form a rock made of thin layers. Pinnacle Rock, Bartolome, is one of the most famous and photographed spots in the islands. It was a prominent landmark that served as a target for US Airmen during WWII. The Pinnacle Rock is surrounded by twin beaches of half-moon shape.
Visitors can swim with fish, Sea Lions, and Galapagos Penguins at the northern beach. You will also find stingrays and spotted eagle Rays as well as white-tipped sharks and black-tipped Sharks near the southern shore. This barren area is home to very little vegetation. The beach is surrounded by mangroves, and the tiny shrub Tiguilia thrives in the volcanic sands. The tiny, white Chamaesycae flowers and seeds provide food for the island’s finch. These plants can survive in harsh volcanic environments and are common in arid areas.
Santiago Island
Lunch service. Santiago Island. Wet landing at Chinese Hat. * Nature walk Deep-water snorkeling
*Visit Chinese Hat, a small island located just southeast of Santiago. The island's shape is described by its name. It is worth the trip for those who visit the island. It is centrally located, but it is not the most visited site in the region. Chinese Hat has been restricted by the National Park Service. Only multi-day cruises of 14 or fewer passengers are allowed at this location. The landing site is located on a crescent-shaped, white sand beach that is home to Sea Lions as well as Sally Lightfoot Crabs. Sombrero Chino's trail explores the volcanic origin of this island, which is one of the most prominent in the region.
It is extremely fragile and can break apart when people walk on it. These breaks cause sharp outcroppings, so it is important to wear sturdy walking shoes. On the island, you will find patches of Pahoehoe Lava and cracked lava. Although the path doesn't take you up to the red rust sides that make up the Chinese Hat, but it does allow for spectacular views of the waves below. Snorkeling near Chinese Hat can cause a stir. White-tipped sharks, Galapagos Penguins, and Sea Lions all frequent this area.
Guide briefing. Farewell cocktail. Navigation to Santa Cruz Island and dinner service