Galapagos

Being here in Galapagos is surreal. Whenever I think of Galapagos, David Attenborough with his hushed voice telling us about the beautiful blue footed boobies comes to my mind. It's what we see on tv but now we're actually here!

Our first encounter with the natives. Frightened the poor thing right back into its shell!

Giant tortoises everywhere. 

These giant Galapagos shells were too irresistible, these two just had to crawl in to feel what it's like to live in a mobile home!

In the Galapagos highlands, where lots of scalesia trees covered in moss grow.

A giant crater in Los Gemelos, once an underground magma chamber.

Exploring the lava tunnels. These underground tunnels were formed when the outside skin of a molten-lava flow solidified. When the lava flow stopped, the molten lava inside kept going, emptying out of the solidified skin therefore leaving the tunnels. 

From the lush highlands, we moved down to the coast. This is where we will be spending most of our time while we are here. 

Beautiful white sandy beach of Tortuga Bay 

Stumbled across these wet and smelly creatures, gave all of us quite a scare! Notice how Mia is missing in the photo? She was standing far far away from these "horrible stinky iguanas" 😆

So ugly yet so fascinating. Dozens of marine iguanas chilling and soaking in the sun, occasionally spitting out sea water. 

Change in landscape again, weaving our way through volcanic rocks and cactus trees to get to the boat.

Seaside desert

Day 2, we had to split up as Shad and Ryan went to Seymore Island and Mosquera to dive while the rest of us went to Santa Fe for snorkelling. Boys were off bright and early at 6am. 

Gearing up for freezing cold water condition, 7mm full body wetsuits. 

Boys under water in Galapagos!

The highlight of their dive that day, the Galapagos shark. 

The rest of us were supposed to be on a boat heading out to our snorkelling site at 8am but when we got to the dock, we were told that the boat had been delayed. So change of plans, we walked to the Charles Darwin Research Station while we waited for the boat problem to be sorted. Along the way we came across the local fish market. This was treat to see, a hive of activity. Fishermen coming to shore delivering their catch, fishmongers cleaning the fish, locals coming to buy the fresh fish, while pelicans and sea lions linger on the side hoping and waiting to be fed. This is truly a peaceful co-existence between animals and humans. 

Lobsters of every size for sale.

Stunning colours

Giant tortoises living in the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Lonesome George, the last known Pinta Island tortoise found in Galapagos.

When we finally made it out to Pinzon and La Fe Bay, we had the most amazing underwater show as we snorkelled!

Our first look at a giant sea turtle. 

There must have been at least 30 white tip sharks resting on the seabed, and even more swimming around.

Starfishes all around us.

First time swimming with the playful sea lions! 

Galapagos has been absolutely fascinating so far. Every day is a new adventure, a new discovery. Most amazing is being so close to the animals. With no natural predators, these turtles, sea lions, sharks, birds aren't afraid when we go close. Can't wait to see what's in store for us over the next few days!