Written Wednesday 9 April
4 hour hike uphill in 30C heat? No, ta. Sacked off the 'free' trek up Sierra Negra, one of the island's volcanoes, and instead opted for a morning on the beach. Hadn't foreseen the overcast skies however, which proved a slight hindrance regarding operation tan. Went for a 2 hour stroll along the sand and managed to get a few close-ups of the resident wildlife (including an iguana skeleton).
Spent 2 hours and $5 unsuccessfully attempting to load photos for the blog, then headed for the afternoon activity, Las Tintoreras. The boat ride there was awesome; the sun came out giving the water an irresistible sparkle and we saw a blue footed booby standing proud among a fairly sizeable group of penguins.
Got very excited (obvs) but the best was yet to come - on the return journey we floated past an entire flock of bfbs chilling on the rocks which was quite a sight.
Sandwiched between these amazing encounters was Las Tintoreras, an expanse of water home to an abundance of marine life. Freaked out a little bit as per but was simultaneously mesmerised (can't decide whether the tranquility of the underwater world is incredibly peaceful or slightly unsettling). Saw fish, sea turtles, starfish, marine iguanas and a massive ray gliding gracefully through the water. Strolled down Shark Alley where the narrow stretch of crystal clear water revealed 3 white tip sharks snoozing at the bottom. Was great to add them to my growing list of wildlife witnessed on these epic islands, but it would have been even more awesome to snorkel with them. There was an optional trip on San Cristobal where the others snorkelled with sharks but it cost $80! Damn budget travelling - though can't complain as have seen everything else I wanted to and then some :)
4.30 start tomorrow to sail back to Santa Cruz but other than that should be a perfect day provided the sun shines - heading to Tortuga Bay for a beach day. Soaking up the sun is what I do best, although might use sunscreen this time...have been shedding frazzled skin like a snake since yesterday. Pleasant!
