Bartolome & Pinnacle Rock

This is an island created by a volcano and is well worth getting up at 03.30am to get there.
Swimming Iguanas, Penguins, Sea Lions, Sharks and massive schools of colourful fish made the snorkelling incredible. The views from the rim of the volcano across the islands was breathtaking.
Add to all of this a golden sandy beach with Sea Lions as lifeguards!

Spot the Stonefish.

Diving in the Gapapagos is truly amazing! It's worth the strong currents, cold water and 7mm wetsuits.....honest!
We swam with Hammerheads, Rays, White & Black tip sharks, sea lions, countless turtles and this one. Kerry nearly used it as a hand=hold against the strong currents.

Charles Darwin Institute

Today we visited the Charles Darwin Institute to check-out the Galapagos Tortoises.
They are HUGE and really cute (Fran's words, not mine!) There's one called Lonesome George who is the last of his species it's a bit sad but they may still find a mate for him.

Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz

This place is far better than we imagined from the guide books. There's just about everything you need, fuel is available and I managed to get spares for the boat!! It has a real Spanish feel about the place. The folks are friendly, great restaurants and bars.....we saw a few of those last night!! The harbour can be a bit rolly but is pretty.

Land ahoy!!

Land Ho on Day 9, we could smell land and see it once the clouds lifted.
Heading to Santa Cruz to check-in. It looks really beautiful now the sun is shining.

The Equator

Nearing the equator we were all getting excited, King Neptunes prayer was ready and the crew dressed up for the occasion. We crossed at 6.28pm and began the ritual. A prayer and Champagne (Most of which went into the sea for King Neptune)
Not much different to the Northern Hemisphere really, just the water goes down the plus-hole a different way!!
The ritual was a blast and we think that King Neptune was appeased with the Champagne.

En-route to the Galapagos

Not many fish in this part of the Pacific but on Day 7 we caught 2 Yellowfin Tuna, the first one Stu dropped back into the sea but the second was a little bigger and VERY tasty.....yum.