Monday, May 2nd

Santiago Island- 6:00 departure for a hike. Had to get going early as it gets hot early. It's a one and a half hour walk. The trail brings us along the coastal route which is full of life and great sceneries. The rock formations reminded me of the pancake rocks in New Zealand on a smaller scale.

Caught the pelican drying it's wings.

Saw these two upon our arrival on the beach.

We also saw fur seals. They are slightly smaller than the sea lions and they have thicker whiskers. We saw herons, iguanas, and crabs as well.

A heron hanging out in the cave like rock formation.

A fur seal napping.

A fur seal scaling to a rest area.

Bob overlooking the area where seals where playing. 

Water rushing in. 

Return to pangas for breakfast. Afterwards we prepped for a snorkel. This was the first and only location that was not memorable. We were all cold, the water was murky, and there wasn't much to see. So off again in the open sea looking for more whales on route for Rabida island. Once again Dolphins came to visit. They were common Dolphins. By the time we arrived on the island it was very hot so only five of us completed the whole hike, only about 45 minutes. About four others came for a short walk off the beach to see if Flamingos were there. Unfortunately there were non. We did watch a young sea lion trying to eat a trumpet fish. It was funny as he would get 3/4 of the fish down his throat and then he would start gagging. Out came the fish and he would restart. He did throw the fish in the water and he seemed to be trying to soften it before digging in again. 

Almost there, but no, too long. He did succeed eventually.

The hike took us up to see cactus trees, brown/red lava,sea lions, and great vistas.

Sea lion staying cool 

Beautiful scenery even with Ron in it.... 

A school of fish. 

Back to the pangas and the Samba to get ready for our last snorkel. So sad. Last day tomorrow. The snorkeling site was a bit rough and rocky but just before going out we saw some Dolphins and hoped that they would stick around long enough for us to get in with them. Unfortunately they had somewhere else to go. We did see the biggest Manta ray yet. Wow- beautiful. There were king angel fish, six or seven  black and white tipped sharks. Thank goodness they weren't huge as it was a bit unnerving as they swam just below us. Suddenly we were engulfed by these little blue-purple flowers. Found out later that they were indeed animal, not vegetable. Then I saw the biggest shark yet, for me anyway. I was happy that it was not swimming. He was just relaxing of the bottom. After that a sea lion went past me. I was thinking of getting out when I heard that there were sting rays. So I swam to see. There were three of them  hanging out in a small cave. In fact they were Marble sting rays. It was an awesome last snorkel. It felt so good. Return for shower and drink. It was quite windy so the captain decided to put the mail sail up. It was really cool. It's our last night on the ocean so it's special. Once again the crew gets all dressed up in their formal wear, we are served Champagne, and there are speeches. Our guide has a few words to thank us, etc. one of the tourist, Jude, spoke for all of us as her Spanish was quite comprehensible. She and her husband had brought red caps, signed by all of us and handed out to the crew.

Ricardo pouring the Champagne. 

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Jude saying a few words of thanks.

Crew wearing their new caps.

After dinner we check out the stars, look for something to see in the water. We see a few puffer fish, gaze at the beautiful constellations, and head down to our respective cabins. We pack as we won't have much time tomorrow. Great last day.