Known as ‘Las Encantadas’, the Galápagos are one of the last relatively untouched oceanic archipelagos in the Pacific Ocean, where one can walk through seabird colonies and reptile’s territories. North Seymour is a unique island that is flat and low with dry vegetation, where rich, productive waters converge and therefore several species of marine birds have colonized it. This island has also been freed of introduced species, and it is obvious that the endemic land iguana, a striking reptile with predominantly yellow scales, is doing pretty well despite the chronic shortage of food.
4/3/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Bartolome and Chinese Hat
Today’s expedition took us to two of the most visually stunning sites in the Galápagos, Bartolome Island and Chinese Hat, with each island offering a fascinating view into the archipelago’s volcanic past and unique wildlife. We began the morning exploring Bartolome Island, a landscape dominated by rugged lava fields, spatter cones, and the iconic Pinnacle Rock. The hike to the island’s summit rewarded us with panoramic views of the surrounding islands, showcasing the beauty of this young volcanic terrain. Along the trail, spatter cones, formed by past eruptions, stood as a testament to the island’s fiery origins with their reddish coloration contrasting against the black lava flows. Below, Pinnacle Rock rose dramatically from the sea, a striking geological feature shaped by time, wind, and waves. In the afternoon, we navigated to Chinese Hat where we were fortunate to witness an intimate moment in Galápagos wildlife, the courtship ritual of Galápagos penguins. These charismatic birds engaged in elegant mating behavior. Nearby, a sea lion mother was comfortably resting upon the rugged lava flow. From volcanic landscapes to rare wildlife encounters, today’s journey through Bartolome and Chinese Hat was a reminder of the incredible diversity and geological wonders of the Galápagos Archipelago.
