HOME > TRAVEL > 2004 > ECUADOR > ISLA BARTOLOME

Isla Bartolome : Galapagos, Ecuador : Trip Report

Snorkeling Excursion to Isla Bartolome

This was an interesting two-part shore excursion. I consider the first part a "shore excursion" even though it was snorkeling because it really wasn't a dive.

The first thing we did was get into our wetsuits to go snorkeling. Yes, wetsuits are a VERY good idea because the water is pretty cold here. We boarded a panga and cruised around the island trying to find a group of penguins. There is only a small colony of 20 or so penguins here so eventually we found a few. We were dropped off in a cove with some Sea Lions and a couple Penguins. We were told it was close to feeding time and the Penguins like to feed in this general area.

I only saw a few Penguins and only saw them under water very briefly. Fortunately Rich got some good pictures and a nice video clip of them swimming under water.

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Video Available

Snorkeling with penguins at Isla Bartolome.


Shore Excursion to Isla Bartolome

The second part of the excursion was the explore the land on this island and climb to the top where there is a small lighthouse. The first thing we noticed about this island is just how barren it is. At first glance it looks like there's nothing alive here but if you look more closely you'll find a cactus or other plant here and there and if you're really lucky you'll see a tiny Lava Lizard there as well.

The climb up was very scenic. Along the way we were shown various forms of lava flows, a lava tube and smaller cones from fairly recent eruptions. This island is about 700,000 years old yet it's still quite barren. If you've seen the recent movie Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World then these scenes should look very familiar.
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Next Section: My journey continues with another shore excursion to Isla Santa Cruz.