Today was a magnificent day. It started just after daybreak with a climb of over 380 steps to the top of a tuff cone, a famous part of Bartholomew Island. We stopped at the beach after breakfast for a refreshing dip that hit the spot. Then we headed off to explore the deeper waters along the coast of the island. After our morning hike, we looked forward to two snorkeling opportunities and an outing in the glass-bottom boat. In the afternoon, we enjoyed deep-water snorkeling in the channel and Zodiac tours. We had three chances to get in the water with water temperatures around 80° F. What a great day.
6/12/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Bartolomé and Sombrero Chino Islands
Warm ocean air and a colorful sunrise met us as we approached Bartolomé. Guests traveled by foot or Zodiac to experience the compacted ash landscape. On our first snorkeling excursion, we swam with diving penguins and sea creatures like whitetip and blacktip sharks, rays, and parrotfish. On the next snorkeling opportunity, we enjoyed seeing even more fish and sea stars! After lunch, we were back on the Zodiac for a third snorkeling opportunity. We dove in by Sombrero Chino. We spotted whitetip sharks, a school of fish, sea lions, pufferfish, and more. We ended the day by circumnavigating Sombrero Chino on Zodiac. We spotted more penguins. The community spirit that has developed over the week was evident as a Zodiac of guests serenaded Sarah on her birthday! Traveling to the Galapagos has made the world feel small. We have found common ground with guests and staff and made connections between our actions back home and the conservation of this beautiful archipelago. Written by Sarah Magnano and Robin Lockwood, Grosvenor Teacher Fellows
