Today we started our day anchored next to 7 small islets known as Bain Bridges. Shortly after breakfast we lowered our Zodiacs and got ready to explore the surrounding area. Our main attraction was a cinder cone with an interesting shape, which is how it got its name, Sombrero Chino. As we arrived to the lava rocks shore birds such as striated herons and a Galapagos hawks were concentrated on the rocks, as they were hunting their prey in the crevices. The tide was very low due the new moon that day, and it revealed rocks covered with green algae.
Once back on board the National Geographic Islander, we got everything ready in order to see what one of the largest marine reserves of the world was about to show us. Deep water snorkeling was great because we had clear waters. Schools of razor surgeon fish were cruising among parrot fish that were feeding on patches of coral. After this enjoyable experience, we got ready to see one of the Bainbridge islands while circumnavigating around it.
Sullivan’s Bay
After lunch we pulled anchor and started navigating to our next destination. In the afternoon we landed on the lava fields of Sullivan Bay. This place was the result of the very last volcanic eruption reported on Santiago in 1897. Since the very beginning the rocks and the way the lava was found was completely interesting, just like walking through a geology text book. Pahoe-hoe lava, Ah-ah lava, driblets, and cinder cones are found at this site, giving us the chance to learn and imagine how this area was formedNa just 118 years ago.
After our hike, on our way back to the National Geographic Islander, we took stock of another day filled with new experiences in this magical place.
