Highlights:
Bartolomé Island (Isla Bartolome) is a small island off James that offers beautiful white sand beaches fringed by luxuriant green mangroves. A recently volcanically active island, Bartolome Island has  a moon-like landscape and volcanic cones. The tall, leaning spike known as Pinnacle Rock is the eroded remains of an old tuff cone. The view from the top of Pinnacle Rock is perhaps the most famous in the Galapagos, with the opportunity to see up to 28 islands if visibility allows. 

On the beach, watch for the endemic Galapagos penguins, the only penguins in the world found north of the equator. As you walk along the white sand beach, you might catch a glimpse of them swimming alongside marine turtles, a variety of brightly colored tropical fish and white-tipped reef sharks, while the Galapagos Hawk flies overhead. Marine turtles come ashore to nest here between January and March.

Excursion options include a hike up some 360 stairs “To the Top” of the volcano, a zodiac ride, and an optional beach swim or snorkel. This is a dry landing, except for the optional beach swim and snorkel, which is a wet landing.

 

TIPS

1. Bring water and a windbreaker and wear good walking or hiking shoes for the hike to the volcano summit. The trail is steep with wooden steps. 2. Make sure you bring your camera and extra memory card as this is one of the most popular photographic spots in the islands.