Naughty Penguins and Inflated Pouches

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Last night we docked around 2am, so a better nights sleep! Dry landing on Bartolome island at 6.10am, before the crowds arrived from the larger ferries. Lots of volcanic ash and unique vegetation, such as grey Tiquilia and greenish Chamaesyce. This island offered panoramic landscape views of cinder cones, unusual rock shapes, small coves with white sweeping sands and views of nearby islands and the perfect sunrise. There were some Galapagos Sea Lions in the distance, and Marine Iguanas basking on the black rocks. The volcanic lava lines were still visible on many of the cinder cones, and sunken craters within the shallow waters.

After an uphill struggle, we gained fantastic views, then made our way back to the Sea Man, passing huge parties from the various ferries. We were rewarded by a delicious breakfast - no other than pancakes! After we took our panga out around the Pinnacle rock in search of the Galapagos penguins. On our way we saw Oyster Catchers trying to prey on crabs, elegant Brown Pelicans and the guide thought he spotted one of the elusive penguins (apparently more active in the afternoons). Ellie decided to go snorkelling, and came across a multitude of different starfish, a large number of tropical fish swimming in shoals, and some people discovered a few sharks too. Nick decided to retire to the beach, as suffering from a cold, and sunbathed parallel to the noisy Sea Lions barking and grunting. Later we discovered that only two people from the boat were fortunate enough to swim with a penguin for a split second only though. The waters were a little colder here and very deep!

Returned to our favourite hot chocolate treat, which always warms us up - the crew were excellent. Then we set sail again as two Frigate birds followed us continuously until we reached the island of North Seymour (next to Baltra). The landscape consisted of black basaltic lava with lazy Sea Lions basking (mother and baby), and a beautiful rocky beach.

Then we took the frigatebird loop, where we came across many iguanas, frigate birds displaying their inflated pouches (males fiercely competing for the females), red-footed boobies, lively sea lions, crabs, giant grass hoppers, blue-footed boobies and many more birds. Unfortunately due to El Nino, all the blue-footed boobies already had their offspring on this island, so no courtship dances took place. (El Nino meaning 'christ child' alters the circulation of the water masses surrounding the Galapagos. This normally occurs around Christmas time, and causes a rise in the sea temperature). However their babies of various sizes, were very cute, white and fluffy and we could get extremely close to them, a special unique experience. Babies everywhere!

The palo santo trees, are an endemic species, and at this time of year look fairly dead, but some other rich vegetation present. One of the sea lions decided to follow us for a short while!

After we returned to the boat and were offered fresh melon, then we went snorkelling into the deep waters. Some people came across sharks, manta rays, and lots of shoals of tropical fish. Then we had another lovely dinner and after 1 1/2 hours of sailing. We love this place, and don't want to leave!

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Photos

Beautiful Beach
and the Basking Babes...

Frigate bird
Trying to impress!

Sea Lions
Not more!

Comments

[S]

Booby?????
What's that?

[Nick and Ellie]

Boobies
These are gorgeous birds that are resident in the Galapagos. There are Blue-footed, Red-footed and Nazca Boobies present. The Blue-footed boobies perform a great courtship dance. A fantastic species - I know the name is a bit crazy!!!