Galapagos, Isla Bartolome

We cruised overnight from Isla Genovesa to Isla Bartolome, a small island just off the coast of the much larger Isla Santiago and arrived just after dawn.

     

Other sea lions played in the surf such as these two rolling around on the beach.

As we made our way up to the summit of the island, there were plenty of lizards such as this female lava lizard.

It is a pretty barren place with no surface water and little soil, just naked solidified lava and ash.

To preserve the delicate balance of the ecosystem, there are board walks for visitors...

and steps up to the summit...

with views down to the bay...

and a clear view of a small vent away from the main crater flooded by the sea,

A single Galapagos penguin taking a rest, the only one that I saw in all the time that I was on the islands.

The sea lion was still sleeping on the landing stage although it had turned around but showed no intention of  going back to the sea.

Then the Zodiacs took us across the channel to Isla Santiago to look at a recent lava flow and some of the shapes made by the lava as it set.

 We were watched by a heron...

 and finally back to the beach for more snorkelling off an empty beach in beautifully clear waters.