Sombrero Chino Island and Sullivan Bay
Today we visited one of the geological wonders of the archipelago in the Sombrero Chino area. The best way to begin our exploration was to get into the Zodiacs in order to explore the marvels of the coastline. As we arrived at the lava rocks, shore birds such as striated herons were heavily concentrated on the rocks as they were hunting their prey out of the crevices. Farther along the coastline, an encounter with a Galápagos penguin startled us as it swam underneath the Zodiac. Nearby Galápagos sea lions were very playful as they were swimming along the coastline.
Once back on board the National Geographic Islander, it was time to see what the Galápagos Marine Reserve would show us. Once in the water, the colorful symphony played by the reef fishes all over the area was marvelous. The sea garden eels at the bottom were the perfect contrast for an underwater landscape, and additionally marine iguanas made it perfect for a unique sighting as they were feeding underwater. After this enchanting experience, it was time continue the adventure to our next destination.
In the afternoon the exploration got even better as we headed out into the lava fields of Sullivan Bay. The splendor of the site was unique and magical. From the very beginning of the walk the rocks and the way the lava was found was completely astonishing. Black like the evening and viscous like melted chocolate, Sullivan Bay made us feel as if we traveled back in time to see how all the islands looked when they were all young several hundreds of thousands of years ago. The way the pa-hoe-hoe lava spread made us appreciate the wonder of nature when an island is built.
At the end of the hike, we enjoyed an awe-inspiring sunset as the last breath of the sun hit the tuff cones in the area turning them into an orange coloration. The charms of Mother Nature speak alone, and today we heard the majestic symphony that the living paradise of the Galápagos Islands played to us.
