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The Galapagos Island of Bartolome This attraction has become one of the best recognized and most photographed sights in this Archipelago.Around Pinnacle Rock the Galapagos penguins walk precariously along its narrow volcanic ledges. Sea lions snooze on rocky platforms, ready to slide into the water to play with passing snorkelers. The Green Sea Turtle use the beach as a nesting site and can sometimes be found wading in the shallow water near the shore, or resting in the sand to recover from the arduous task of digging nests, laying eggs and covering them over. This towering rock face is actually an eroded lava formation. Formed when magma was expelled from an underwater volcano, the sea cooled the hot lava, which then exploded, only to come together and form this huge rock made up of many thin layers of basalt. Pinnacle Rock is considered to be an emblem of the Galapagos Islands and is one of the most recognizable sites of this Archipelago. The bay is also an excellent place to go swimming. The twin bays are connected by a thin isthmus. On the other side you have the unique possibility to observe female marine turtles (depending on the season) that are waiting in the water of the bay for the night. You will have the opportunity to see when they come to the dunes on the beach to lay their eggs. One of the major highlights of this Island is certainly the hike to the top of the summit of the volcano. In about 40 minutes the trail takes you over wooden steps and boardwalks up to the top. The Galapagos Island Landscape consists of plants that have adjusted to the dryness like cacti and it seems like almost from out of space. The route is not difficult and presents a volcanic museum, a site left untouched after its last eruption, where cones stand in various stages of erosion and lava tubes form bobsled-like runs from the summit. When you reach the top you will be presented to a spectacular view that will take your breath. This is one of the most photographed motives on the Galapagos Archipelago. You can see the twin bays, Pinnacle Rock, the moon-like landscape as well as an underwater crater. From the top you can see Santiago Island that is close by and its famous Sullivan Bay is fascinating. To reach the Galapagos Island summit, you'll have to make a dry landing from the boat. However, to visit the beach, a wet landing is necessary. Don't forget to bring your camera here for some wonderful photo opportunities of the neighboring Galapagos Islands and superb scenery. A short panga ride takes you to the first of the two beaches. A short walk to the south beach leads through mangroves and past dune vegetation. Mating sea turtles are frequently seen as are white-tipped sharks, rays, blue herons. Returning to the north beach offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Galapagos Penguins are frequently seen swimming in these waters. The Island of Bartolome might look pretty desolate with mostly dried shrubbery like candelabra cacti and a few lava lizards running about. But what makes this Island so special besides Pinnacle Rock is the fact that out here, you can spot the ever playful Galapagos Penguins, which are the second smallest penguin species in the world and the only ones living in a warm climate. Galapagos Recommended Reading:A Traveler's Guide to the Galapagos Islands This book reviews the Islands' history, explains its ecology and the evolution of its wildlife, and tells where to go and what to see and photograph. This guide to the Galapagos Island is the ideal handbook for anyone thinking of going to the Galapagos Archipelago. (This is a helpful and easy to read guide) Wildlife of the Galapagos (Traveller's Guide)  Custom Search If you have any questions about the Galapagos Island of Bartolome or if you'd like to know more about our recommended Galapagos Island Cruises to visit this Archipelago, You can Contact us here
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