Galapagos Islands cruises - Buccaneer cove

Less than an hour north of Puerto Egas, Buccaneers 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 a shore 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 gone by.  Inside the jars were supplies of wine and marmalade.

Few boats stop at Buccaneers Cove today.  Though many cruise by at a slow speed giving visitors the opportunity to view the steep cliffs made of tuff formations and the dark reddish-purple sand beach.   This dramatic landscape is made all the more impressive by the hundreds of seabirds perched atop the cliffs.  Two of the more recognizable rock formations are known as the "Monk" and "Elephant Rock".  A large population of feral goats now frequents Buccaneers Cove and this portion of Santiago.  The Galapagos Islands National Park Service has fenced off part of the area to protect the native vegetation from the destructive eating habits of this introduced specie.