Galápagos Islands, Ecuador 
We rolled through the swell last night as we moved from Genovese Island down to a midway point between Bartolomé and Santiago Island. Bartolomé Island is fairly hostile with a high point and a leaning pinnacle rock on the side of it. We hiked up the hill to the highest point where we could observe a great view across the islands and down to our docking point where we could see the round outline of a sunken volcano crater. This island is full of grey plants and lava cactus. There are small lizards that run around doing press ups as a means of communication.
Our snorkelling trip off Bartolomé is amazing, despite the barren land the shoreline is teaming with large colourful fish and shols of small fish. At one point a sea lion swam past me but the highlight is seeing the Galápagos penguins on the rocks and then swimming with them. They are so fast, like bullets in the water, as they dive and then surface energetically beside the group. Such a thrill seeing them bobbing closely and then circling round you without any concern.
Our snorkelling off Santiago is not as fruitful, the water is getting colder and despite swimming along the rocky shore, I only saw small sholes of fish. I decided to get out, only to then see the rest of the group excitedly spot sea turtles. Our guide said there will be plenty off Isabela Island, so I hope I get another chance.
Our final walk of the day is on Santiago Island, which has a massive lava field. I have never walked across lava, and it’s really crazy with shapes like lengths of rope, bubbles, material, all formed differently due to speed and cooling temperature variation. There are huge crickets jumping around but no other life on the lava field. A really cool experience which feels like you are on another planet.
As the sun came down on another memorable day we spotted huge Mantarays in front of the boat, to the side we then witnessed them jumping multiple times. With their flat shape, this looked like a pancake being tossed.
