One of the most fascinating places on earth are the Galapagos Islands.
They are a group of volcanic islands divided by the Equator. The most interesting and popular islands for tourists are in the southern hemisphere.
Our plane touched down in San Cristobal and it was from here, that we were taken to our cruise ship, the Coral 1
Because of Charles Darwin, everybody has heard of the Galapagos. Here nature has no fear of man and the way the animals watch us, as we watch them, is quite unique. And that is all we can do - watch. Strictly no touching.
Our first encounter was at Ochoa Beach. We were fitted out with wetsuit and snorkel and taken by Panga to the beach which was occupied by sea lions. This is when the fun began. The young sea lions came to play with us. They nudged us, inviting us to play, attaching themselves to our flippers, then turning around, and being only a short distance away from our snorkel, smiling at us. It was utter magic.
Our next Island was North Seymour and this is where we saw our first Frigate birds. These birds inflate their pouches, until they become huge, bright red balloons. They do this to woo the ladies. Next in line my favourites, the Blue Footed Boobies. These birds have bright blue feet and are excellent flyers. We watched them fly closely overhead and then dive into the water for fish.
The Island where I had my personal encounter with one of the sea creatures, was St Bartolomae. Again, we were fitted out with our snorkels - no wetsuit as the water was quite warm. I watched the sea turtles and little penguins swimming by, admiring them all, when suddenly, directly beneath me, so close I could have touched him, swam a giant Manta Ray. It was bigger than my oustretched arms and absolutely beautiful. I was lucky too that some of the other girls witnessed what was happening and just said they only prayed I would not freak out when I saw it so close. Freak out? I was delighted!
What I did not see - and this would have freaked me out - was the shark that followed the Ray.
It was also on Bartolomae that I had a close encounter with a sea lion cub.
It was love at first sight.
Espanola is another Island I especially remember. This is the place where the Albatross breed. These magnificent birds have a wingspan of nearly 2 metres and are a delight to watch.
I am sorry to say that the Islands are under a lot of stress. Tourism has been a blessing and a curse.
Let's pray that the people who have the privilege to visit these very special Islands will "do their bit" and preserve these unique Islands for generations to come.
They are a group of volcanic islands divided by the Equator. The most interesting and popular islands for tourists are in the southern hemisphere.
Our plane touched down in San Cristobal and it was from here, that we were taken to our cruise ship, the Coral 1
Because of Charles Darwin, everybody has heard of the Galapagos. Here nature has no fear of man and the way the animals watch us, as we watch them, is quite unique. And that is all we can do - watch. Strictly no touching.
Our first encounter was at Ochoa Beach. We were fitted out with wetsuit and snorkel and taken by Panga to the beach which was occupied by sea lions. This is when the fun began. The young sea lions came to play with us. They nudged us, inviting us to play, attaching themselves to our flippers, then turning around, and being only a short distance away from our snorkel, smiling at us. It was utter magic.
Our next Island was North Seymour and this is where we saw our first Frigate birds. These birds inflate their pouches, until they become huge, bright red balloons. They do this to woo the ladies. Next in line my favourites, the Blue Footed Boobies. These birds have bright blue feet and are excellent flyers. We watched them fly closely overhead and then dive into the water for fish.
The Island where I had my personal encounter with one of the sea creatures, was St Bartolomae. Again, we were fitted out with our snorkels - no wetsuit as the water was quite warm. I watched the sea turtles and little penguins swimming by, admiring them all, when suddenly, directly beneath me, so close I could have touched him, swam a giant Manta Ray. It was bigger than my oustretched arms and absolutely beautiful. I was lucky too that some of the other girls witnessed what was happening and just said they only prayed I would not freak out when I saw it so close. Freak out? I was delighted!
What I did not see - and this would have freaked me out - was the shark that followed the Ray.
It was also on Bartolomae that I had a close encounter with a sea lion cub.
Espanola is another Island I especially remember. This is the place where the Albatross breed. These magnificent birds have a wingspan of nearly 2 metres and are a delight to watch.
I am sorry to say that the Islands are under a lot of stress. Tourism has been a blessing and a curse.
Let's pray that the people who have the privilege to visit these very special Islands will "do their bit" and preserve these unique Islands for generations to come.
Lovely post about a lovely place. Thank you Irene.
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