 Kicker Rock at Sunrise |
Overnight we cruise from North Seymour toward San Cristobal Island, the eastern most and oldest of the islands. Before arriving at San Cristobal Island, we pause briefly at Kicker Rock for a magnificent display of sunrise on the rock. In my opinion, this is a "must-do" low-intensity excursion. Boarding the zodiacs just as the sun is rising, our naturist and pilot pause for some photo opportunities before approaching the rock. As you get in closer, you'll notice the ever-present life here, sea lions swimming in the currents, the frigate birds overhead and boobies in the narrow rock outcroppings. Kicker Rock, also known as Sleeping Lion is split into two pieces forming a narrow passage that our expert pilot explores for us. Further around the other side, we enter another fissure that is closed overhead - but that will undoubtedly split the rock into three pieces at some future point. We return to the ship after circumnavigating the small island just in time for breakfast in Darwin's.
At 9am, the dry-landing expedition departs for the Interpretation Center at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. We opt to stay onboard during this excursion, but are looking forward to another expedition this afternoon. Everyone is back onboard around 11am for our short trip to Espanola Island, the southernmost of the islands. During the trip the snorkeling equipment is made available to all of those that will be snorkeling. Following the equipment pick-up, we are introduced to the many snorkeling opportunities for the rest of the week. Just as excursions are rated high or low, the snorkeling is gentle and advanced. Generally the gentle snorkeling will take place from a beach, allowing you to select either shallow or deep water viewing. The advanced snorkeling is generally from the zodiacs into deeper water with some amount of current.
Two lunch options were available today, Beagle's Grill offers grilled fish, chicken breasts, hot dogs and hamburgers for those that preferred to dine outside on the rear deck. Darwin's Restaurant was also open offering an International Cuisine buffet.
At 4pm we depart for the second excursion of the day for a high intensity dry landing and exploration of Espanola Island. On Espanola we hike approximately 2 miles from the beach over a rocky trail to cliffs overlooking the ocean. Along these cliffs is one of the highest concentrations of nesting boobies and Galapagos albatross. There are also marine iguana and sea lions ever present. At the edge of the cliff we have a rare opportunity of a sea blowhole along the coast. This hike is slightly more difficult than yesterday's because of the rocks and boulders along the path and also has a slight incline. Good hiking shoes with non-slip soles are necessary to navigate the trail that crosses water slick lava boulders.
We're back onboard around 6:30pm in time for the daily briefing on tomorrow's activities followed by dinner in Darwin's Restaurant.
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