Dancing with Sea Lions - Snorkeling highlight! — Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

  Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Saturday, May 14, 2011

Official Itinerary Description:"Plazas / Santa F?

In the morning we visit Plaza Sur —home of a colony of sea lion bachelors .in the afternoon Set sail and reach Santa F? Island. Learn about the prehistoric-looking land iguanas from our naturalist guide, as well as how mangrove trees survive in this harsh environment. In the afternoon visit Plaza Sur —home of a colony of sea lion bachelors. Santa F? Island (also called Barrington) is well-known as a great place for watching (and swimming with) sea lions. There is only one place to land launches, but two different trails offer varied experiences. The shorter of the two hikes leads from the beach into a sparse forest of prickly pear cactus. The second, longer trail goes up a cliff side into an area inhabited by Land Iguanas. The interior terrain of the island is interesting, with a good panoramic view from the cliff top

. Back on the beach, it is easy to sit for hours just watching the antics of the sociable sea lions."

Snorkeling was the definite highlight on this day... We were able to stay in a calm, protected cove for a very long time. The guys on the boat even left a couple of us out there while they shuttled others back - We were having so much fun playing in the shallow water with a bunch of young sea lions. Once you get comfortable with their behavior, it isn't scary at all.  They can swim calmly around in circles and then dart off, sneaking up on you upon their return - if you swim on your back, they will too! 

I followed a large sea turtle for quite some time on this trip, and then returned to the sea lions playing next to the rocky shore.