Скачать или смотреть BARTOLOME & SANTIAGO: Lava landscapes, snorkeling with Sharks, Penguins & Pinnacle Rock

In this video, we explore Bartolomé Island and Santiago Island in the Galápagos, including the famous Pinnacle Rock viewpoint and the lava fields of Sullivan Bay. We go snorkeling with sharks, encounter the endangered Galápagos penguin, and discover why these volcanic islands are unlike anywhere else on Earth.

The alarm went off at 5:45 AM — an hour usually reserved for birdwatchers, bakers, and overly motivated hikers. With sleepy eyes but big excitement, we headed toward Bartolomé Island, the charming little island tucked in the shadow of Santiago.

The plan? A short hike to one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Galápagos, overlooking the legendary Pinnacle Rock. Our guide called it the “geological chapter” of the trip — meaning lava fields, barren landscapes, and very few animals.

Well… that plan changed quickly.

Before we could even say “lava,” wildlife appeared everywhere. A relaxed pelican feasting on bright red crabs along the shore. Sea lions chilling dramatically on steep rocks. Birds diving into the ocean like missiles, hunting fish just meters from us.

And then — at the top viewpoint — a surprise runway show by a Galápagos Hawk. What an absolutely majestic predator.

The panoramic views from above? Unreal. Pinnacle Rock, volcanic cones, golden beaches — the kind of scenery you’d normally need a drone to capture.

After the hike, it was time to jump into the water. On the way by panga, we spotted the adorable Galápagos penguin — the second smallest penguin species in the world and sadly endangered. Tiny, fast, and full of personality.

Then came the snorkeling…

Hundreds of colorful fish.
15 to 20 sharks calmly gliding by within 1.5 meters.
Penguins torpedoing past our legs.
Starfish resting like jewels on the ocean floor.

Your brain doesn’t know where to look first — and luckily your mouth can’t fall open underwater.

In the afternoon we explored the massive black lava fields of Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island). Fascinating to learn how the lava here spreads wide and thin due to low silica content, creating relatively low volcanoes (max. 1700 m), unlike mainland Ecuador where peaks rise above 5000 meters. Think liquid chocolate instead of thick dough — the lava flows outward instead of upward. Hawaii works exactly the same way.

And to properly end the day?
One more snorkeling session.

Because… Galápagos.
And because we might be developing a slight fish addiction.

Oh — and the food on board? Absolutely delicious.

🎥 About This Video

All footage captured with iPhone 17 Pro Max, underwater/action scenes filmed with GoPro Hero13.
No travel advice, no logistics — just what I truly captured.

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