22 Jan 2023
Beautiful unique island with crystal clear snorkelling.
We even had a couple penguins swimming with us!
The penguins are hit & miss tho. It's a small colony in
Barolome and they could've been out fishing somewhere else.
We just got lucky!!
Most people go to Bartolome to climb the mountain trail.......all wooden
walkway with stairs, to see the beautiful beaches and scenery below
including the Iconic Rock. Postcard moment on top. The snorkelling was
great because it's so clear with the rocks rather than sand. We saw some
sea turtles and rays and lots of fish.........oh, and 2 or 3 penguins.
It's a long day. Picked up at our hotel in Puerto Ayora at 6:30, took a bus to the channel at north of island and then hopped on boat for a long boat ride....bout 2.5 hrs there, slowing at a couple of islands to look at birds on cliffs and spotting jumping giant manta rays. Boat goes faster home...........cuz everyone's sleeping!
They feed you a decent lunch and snacks on the boat. We got back to Puerto Ayora about 6 pm. You tip the boat crew when you get off and we gave some money to the bus driver and then our guide. The crew supplies flippers and fins and for $5 you can get a wet suit if desired. We went in January and most of us didn't need a wet suit.
All 4 in our group were glad we went. A long boat ride but a nice boat and quite comfortable. Must nicer and more comfortable than the boats that taxi people to Isabela Island for a 2 hr thump thump thump show!! Oh.........best to prebook your tour ahead of time as it's the most popular tour out of Puerto Ayora and tours fill up fast. Costs can vary anywhere from $250 to $550. I have a connection to one local tour guide who is quite reasonable.