SANTIAGO: ESPUMILLA BEACH - BUCCANEER COVE - SALT MINES - EGAS PORT

Morning: Breakfast service. Wet landing Espumilla Beach. Panga boat ride to Buccaneer Cove. Deep water snorkeling. 

The excursion begins just a short distance beyond the tide pools and heads to the fur seal grotto. Fur seals and sea lions can be seen swimming in the rocky lava ringed pools. This may be the only opportunity visitors have to see and swim with fur seals. 
The crystal clear water, volcanic bridges, fur seals and sea lions make this a magnificent place for swimming and snorkeling. 

Visitors who now come to Espumilla Beach mostly do so in search of birds rather than water. A short walk inland takes visitors through a mangrove forest normally inhabited by the common stilt. Sea turtles also visit these mangroves to nest. 

Less than an hour north of Puerto Egas, Buccaneer Cove served as a safe haven for pirates, sailors and whalers during the 18th and 19th century. Anchoring in the protected bay they were able to make much needed repairs to their ships while other men went ashore to stock up on salt, tortoises, fresh water and firewood. Several years ago ceramic jars were found at the bottom of the bay, the disregarded cargo of some mariner from years ago. Inside the jars were supplies of wine and marmalade. 
Afternoon: Lunch service. Visit Puerto Egas; nature walk, salt mines and fur seal grotto. Shallow water snorkeling.

There are two interesting excursions conducted from Puerto Egas. The first is a short walk from the landing site that brings visitors to the site of one of the Galapagos' first entrepreneur endeavors. For decades salt was extracted from a local salt crater. The industry was abandoned in the 1950's leaving behind a variety of rusted old machines and parts of buildings. The trail follows the path once used by wagon trains to the crater cone.

Finally reaching the crater rim presents an incredible vista. Looking into the crater you are able to see this extinct volcano whose floor has sunken below sea level. Salt water seeps into the crater creating a small salt lake. The sun evaporates the water, leaving the salt that many have tried to mine without success. 
Looking away from the crater are the older orange lava fields supporting vegetation including the Palo Santo trees and the younger desolate black lava fields. 
Evening: Guide briefing. Farewell cocktail. Dinner service and navigation to Daphne Island.