Bartolomé Island

We woke up early, stopped at the bakery, boarded a bus to drive us north through the Santa Cruz highlands to Itabaca Canal.  Here we boarded a small panga boat to ferry us to the Sea Lion yacht which cruised us two hours north past a tiny volcanic island with frigate and blue boobie birds perched on the cliffs. 

Arriving at Bartolomé Island we climbed a path to the peak of the island for views of Pinnacle rock and Sullivan Bay.  We descended and returned to the boat for one of the best meals we've had since being in Ecuador fish, beef, vegetables, mango, salad, chutney and wonderful sauces to compliment. 

After lunch we suited up in wet suits, flippers and goggles for my favorite part of the trip yet - snorkeling with beautiful fish, spotting a shark and a huge ray, swimming near sea lions and chasing after a little penguin.  We have some underwater video footage but can't post it yet b/c of the slow internet connection here.  We boarded the  yacht again and set sail south back to Santa Cruz island.  

Seeing the little penguins may be the wildlife highlight for me, penguins and the blue footed boobie were the animals I wanted to see most.  Matthew is diggin the sea turtles and iguanas.