Galapagos Pinnacle Rock

This is a prominent sight and it was used as a target for US airmen during WWII. Right beside Pinnacle Rock there are two beautiful half moon shaped beaches.

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The northern beach is a popular snorkeling site where visitors have the opportunity to swim with fish, sea lions and Galapagos penguins. Larger animals can be found near the southern beach including stingrays, spotted eagle rays, white-tipped sharks, and black-tipped sharks.

The best known of the Island's features is the tuff cone known as Pinnacle Rock. This large black eroded lava formation was created when the magma expelled from the volcano reached the sea. When the seawaters cooled the hot lava it caused an explosion. The exploded particles eventually fasten together forming a rock composed of thin layers.

This strange formation is well-named, pointing directly upward. It's the one geological formation that interests virtually every visitor. It is comprised of a soft volcanic material, easily eroded, that has resulted in the unusual shape.

Before the erosion it was a tuff cone which results from hardening and compaction of volcanic ash into "tuff". Many tuff cones dot the Galapagos landscape but none as eroded and beautiful as Pinnacle Rock.

As Barry Boyce says (Author of "A Traveler's Guide to the Galapagos Islands"): Galapagos Pinnacle Rock is probably the most famous (and most photographed) landmark in the Galapagos.

Bartolome is a desolate Island with few plants is the most visited and most photographed Island in the Galapagos. The Island consists of an extinct volcano and a variety of red, orange, green, and glistening black volcanic formations.

At Galapagos Pinnacle Rock on the Island of Bartolome you can find penguins, sharks, marine iguanas and even White Tipped Sharks It is a perfect spot for snorkeling and swimming too.



Bartolome Island, is a place similar to the surface of the moon. The volcanic formations of this island include lava bombs, spatter cones and cinder cones.

There is a steep hike to the summit aided by wooden steps from where you have an impressive view of the Islands including Galapagos Pinnacle Rock. During the hike, you can admire a large colony of marine iguanas and lava lizards, along with interesting flora like Red mangroves, tequila and cacti.

Galapagos penguins are also present in Bartolome Island. Penguins use their wings as flippers and really look like they fly through the water. This are penguins living on the Equator.

This penguin is endemic to the Galapagos Islands and the most northerly penguin in the world. In Galapagos it is found primarily in areas of cold water where the birds may also find good shelter from the intense equatorial sun.

A dinghy excursion around the base of Galapagos Pinnacle Rock is a great way to see more wildlife. Besides penguins, you can see Sally Light-Foot Crabs, Lava Herons, Marine Iguanas and Galapagos Sea Lions.

Galapagos Recommended Reading:

The Diving Guide: Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands, is world renowned for adrenaline-charged diving and unique, fearless wildlife. These "Enchanted Islands" beckon both divers and non-divers from around the globe who come to dive with whale sharks and walk with giant tortoises. (This is the best diving guide I've ever read)