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Isla Bartolome : Galapagos, Ecuador : Trip Report
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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.

Click on thumbnail for a full-size picture

Richard got this nice shot of a Penguin cleaning himself.
...and one of me trying to get the same shot.
Video available:
Very short clip of the Penguins while snorkeling taken by Richard. (20 seconds)
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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.
Click on thumbnail for a full-size picture

The cool looking volcanic cinder pinnacle.
Another prehistoric looking Marine Iguana.
One of the few alive looking pieces of vegetation.

Most of the island looked this barren.
Melanie surprised she can hold such a big rock.
Steve, aka He-Man holds it with one hand.

The Lorena Bobbit plant???
Cool lava flows on the side of the volcano.
The neighboring island looks equally barren.

A small lava tube.
Smaller volcanic cones dot the island.
Climbing to the top.

Frank got this beautiful view from the top.
The only group shot we got the entire trip.
I can see my house from here.

The travel buddies.

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Next Section: My journey continues with another shore excursion to Isla Santa Cruz.
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