Jim got up for the predawn walk up Bartolomé island for a photo shoot.  He got some great photos of the landscape and predawn light.  The island is covered in lava rock, mangroves and golden sand.

Bartolomé Island is a volcanic islet just off the east coast of Santiago Island in the Galápagos Islands group. it is one of the “younger” islands in the Galápagos archipelago. This island, and neighbouring Sulivan Bay on Santiago (James) island, are named after lifelong friend of Charles Darwin, Sir Bartholomew James Sulivan, who was a lieutenant aboard HMS Beagle.  This island is one of the few that are home to the Galapagos penguin which is the only wild penguin species to live on the equator. The green turtle  is another animal that resides on the island.

Midmorning, I went out for a deep water snorkel.  There were numerous starfish covering the sea floor and many colorful fish darting about in giant schools.

For lunch, we enjoyed local Ecuadorian foods including the local beer.  The ceviche was fabulous and we are surprised to find that you garnish it with popcorn or plantain chips. It is quite excellent with popcorn on top!

We anchored at Rábida Island, also called Jervis Island, after lunch. The island has an area of about 1 square mile and is studded with several small volcanic craters. Originally named for the 18th-century British admiral John Jervis, Earl of St. Vincent, the island’s official Ecuadorian name is Isla Rábida. Rábida has a lagoon and a flamingo rookery but no human population.

We did a beach snorkel from the red sand beaches.  Sadly, we didn’t see as much sea life as earlier in the day.  Although we saw an amazing black and white mana ray skirting along the base of the rocky lava edges.

After dinner, we’re off to bed early to rest up for tomorrow’s adventures.