This is a Volcano experience, you will enjoy a walk to the summit of Bartolome Island, spot Galapagos penguins, have great views of Chinese Hat, and swim with lovely tropical fish and sea lions.
Bartholomew is a small Galapagos Island located 18 miles northwest of the Itabaca Channel. Arriving in Bartholomew you get one of the most incredible landscapes. The summit trail begins with a dry landing, though sea lions make the purpose-built dock more exciting. The trail is a dusty walk through volcanic ash. The only vegetation is the "pioneer Tiquilia plant" and greenish Chamaesyce. These are vital in binding the ash that fans down from the hill.
Bartholomew is considered one of the best snorkeling sites in the central Galapagos region, a swim at the foot of the Pinnacle Rock and around its base is the most important deep-water snorkel with many different species of parrotfish, marine turtles, sea lions, and sometimes Galapagos penguins.
After an exquisite lunch on board the M/Y WindRose, you will visit Chinese Hat, which is a very small volcano nearby Santiago Island, surrounded by small spatter cones creating a dramatic landscape.
Because of its distinctive shape, the Chinese Hat has fascinated visitors as long as they have been coming to Galapagos.
It's one of the smallest islands on the Galapagos but it has a unique visitor site with amazing diversity. Galapagos Penguins and eventually Galapagos hawks are active across this patch of land which is also beautiful for visitors who just come to see and enjoy the scenery.
A wet landing on the beach of the island will give you the opportunity of enjoying the sandy beach where sea lions rest and a good diversity of wade birds feed on the shoreline.