The day started with a group of us heading out on a hike to Pico Alto, the highest point in Santa Maria. Despite the rain, we hiked through the lush forest of the island, enjoying the green cedar forest until we reached the famous red dunes of Santa Maria.
The rest of our group enjoyed a leisurely tour by bus, visiting some of the most notable locations around the island, including the church where Christopher Columbus stopped in 1493 on his way back from America.
Back on-board National Geographic Endurance, we shared our experiences over a wonderful sushi lunch and spent the rest of the day looking for wildlife while sailing to São Miguel. A few dolphins and the elusive Monteiro storm petrel rewarded our efforts on this wonderful last day of the voyage.
