Santiago Island

 Today we explore around Santiago Island, the fourth largest of the Galapagos Islands. In the early morning we hike along Espumilla Beach, on the western coast. This beach is considered one of the archipelago's most important marine turtle nesting areas so we are enjoined to stay below the high tide line. The video below is of a group of five Blue Footed Boobies dive bombing for fish.

In the afternoon we attempted some kayaking but it was too rough for us so we stayed aboard the Zodiac. Later in the day we were ferried to Puerto Egas beach for some sun, sand. and snorkeling. There we encountered an amazing scene - a mother sea lion was nursing two pups - one a little guy and the other an older brother (?) - the mom has enough of the noisy nursing and attempts to get a way - watch the video to see what happens next!

But one of the most fun and unexpected experiences of the voyage was at cocktail time when skipper Eduardo Neira sang a number of songs accompanying himself on the guitar! Watch the video for his sing-along "I Love These Islands"! Truly a magical night. Read more about the captain here...