Our Great Adventure: Isla Sombrero Chino / Isla San Salvador Day 293 08/07/2015

We were both glad when we anchored in the early hours off Isla Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat) as the engine noise finally stopped! After breakfast we went by dingy to the island and landed alongside sea lions and marine iguanas. We walked along the shoreline enjoying the sea breeze and admiring the lava tunnels. At the end of the trail we sat close to the shore watching the variety of sea birds. Back on board the boat we changed into our snorkelling gear and headed out. Blue footed boobies were on the rocks as we jumped into the water. The current was very strong making it very difficult to swim against the tide so we headed around the shore line. The waters were amass with colourful fish. With the help of the captain we saw a white tipped shark almost hidden under the rocks and Simon also saw a mantra ray (you had to dive down to see it which was too much for Diane to attempt to do!). After lunch we set sail for Isla San Salvador. Michelle and Klas had seen a Galapagos penguin on the shore of Isla Bartolome and we headed over in the dingy in the hope it. There are only 2000 couples in the whole archipelago and despite it being 'off itinerary', Billy was happy for us to go although we had to wait until other boats were out of sight. We were lucky enough to see a couple quite close to the shore although taking photos was quite challenging with the swell. From here we crossed over to Sullivan Bay on Isla San Salvador, home to a 110 year old lava flow field. It's an amazing formation of pahoehoe and lava bubbles. We walked along the trail and to where you got a good view of the flow running down from the volcano before it created the field. Apparently Master and Commander, with Russell Crowe, was filmed here. After dinner we set sail for Genovesa, one of the northern most islands, crossing the equator along the way. It's the first time in nearly 7 months that we've been in the northern hemisphere. The sea was very rough and we pitched and rolled through the night.