Bartolome Island

Bartolome is a small volcanic island in the Galapagos, mostly bare lava rock and cinder cones. Pinnacle Rock, a jagged spire left behind by an eroded tuff cone, is the landmark you'll recognise from every Galapagos guidebook. A boardwalk with wooden steps leads to the summit viewpoint, which looks out over the lava fields, Sullivan Bay, and the neighbouring island of Santiago. The snorkelling at the base of Pinnacle Rock is some of the best in the archipelago. Galapagos penguins, the only penguin species found north of the equator, swim in these waters alongside sea turtles and white-tipped reef sharks. The beach on the opposite side of the isthmus is a nesting spot for green sea turtles between January and March. There are no facilities on the island, so bring water and sun protection.