May 8 - Bartolome Island & 375 Steps

We sailed here today on a 6-hour cruise from Genovesa. Bartolome has been the sight of several Hollywood films, and is perhaps one of the most visited islands of the Galapagos because of its natural beauty. We climbed the 375 stairs of Prince Philip‘s Steps to view the magnificence from the top of the volcano, and later visited Sullivan’s Bay on Santiago Island to walk on the black lava in extreme heat! Phew, it felt like the lava was still molten! It was great to cool off with a snorkel around Pinnacle Rock where the sea life was teeming and 3 white-tip sharks sat patiently on the bottom under a large boulder! Even Debb, who doesn’t like the scary things in the sea, joined in the fun of snorkeling in this underwater paradise with crystal clear waters.

Pinnacle Rock, Bartolome Island

Almost at the top of 375 steps!

The view from the top with 14 of our 15 seafaring mates!

Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. Hot, hot, hot!