The island is basically composed of lava flows and rock layers, but there is also vegetation, such as the poison apple tree. The fruit has a rock hard casing, but a species of finch has developed a strong, stubby beak able to crack it open, and also a tolerance to the poison. All the islands we have visited are unique in their own way.
We walked over black, solidified (just as well!) lava marvelling at the wildlife everywhere. The fur seal pups were especially cute!
It's important to watch where you're stepping on these excursions. Grey marine iguanas on black rock can be tricky!Our guide, Viviana, led us towards the edge of the land. Because this coastline is formed from lava, there are occasional blowholes and natural bridges, which pockets of gas have formed.
Spot the seal and the 2 pelicans.
This Sally Lightfoot crab was carrying eggs and had opened up her egg sacs so that the sun could warm them.
Below are a couple of the local punks.
For the bird watchers out there, a selection of some we saw - a couple may test your Googling.
We also saw a frigate bird - the pirate of the skies - give some serious grief to a pelican that had caught a fish.
We're not sure if the 2nd pelican was trying to help or to help himself!
We made our way back to the beach, where we'd arranged to go kayaking. Only the two of us had signed up for it. We were told the inflatable would be nearby at all times, but after two minutes, they'd obviously decided we knew what we were doing, because they were far in the distance. We had the bay to ourselves and it was wonderful! Unfortunately no-one took any photos! This was the bay though, and that's our bright orange kayak behind the inflatable.
Back on the Isabela II we took a couple of snaps - maybe just to prove we were on a boat!
You never know what you'll spot next!
Our last expedition was to Bartolome island. A quick panga ride around the bay, and then a dry landing. We were going to climb quite a few steps to reach a viewpoint over the island.
. . . but got steeper towards the top.
We all know Darwin visited these islands, but maybe Jules Verne did too. Talk about the Lost World! Volcanic craters and unusual plant life everywhere.
This was possibly the most unusual island we had visited. But it was also beautiful. We were a little disappointed that the light was fading as the following view is one often used to advertise the Galapagos islands. It needed sunshine, blue sea and yellow sand.
As we left Bartolome, our last full day had ended.
Just time for another quick panga ride round the bay before heading back to the ship.
What a day - again!
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