Snorkeling in translucent, turquoise seas ranks high on the bucket list of many travelers to the Galapagos Islands. Imagine swimming among sea lions, sea turtles and penguins – maybe even hammerheads – in their natural habitat, an underwater playground!
This morning it’s time for our first snorkeling adventure in Española’s Gardner Bay. We don our wet suits and grab our gear. Once again, I remind myself that this is not a fashion shoot. But before taking off, we receive a safety briefing:
“Put your fins and mask on in the pangas. Slide into the water off the side, not near the back by the propeller.”
Good idea.
“You’ll have 45 minutes to snorkel here. Put one arm up if you need assistance. The zodiac will always be near by.”
45 minutes!? Uh-oh.
While the excitement builds among passengers anticipating their first Galapagos encounters underwater, I’m silently wondering how I’m going to snorkel with one arm up the whole time.
Unfortunately, swimming is one of those life skills I have yet to master. I can swim but prefer having the security of ground underfoot when surfacing for air. Barring that, I like to have something solid to hold onto, which in this case, quickly becomes my guide, Jorge. “Not a problem,” he assures me. “We’re here to help everyone have their own Galapagos snorkeling adventure.”
And I do. Jorge coaches me to relax and breathe through the snorkel, no small coordination feat on my part. After a few starts, stops and water spits, I gingerly try again, slowly getting the hang of it. Within seconds of submerging my face underwater, a sea lion shoots past, zips back around in case I missed him the first time, does a few back flips and disappears.
Wow! Now I understand what fellow passenger, 10-year-old Jesse, had known all along:
“Snorkeling here is AWESOME!”
Have you had any good snorkeling adventures of your own, Wanderboomers? Share your story here.
I’m impressed!I snorkeled once in Hawaii but was nervous the whole time and didn’t enjoy it as much as maybe others would. It’s just kinda creepy to me. Ha! I’m glad you did it!
It’s good to know I’m not the only scaredy cat when it comes to snorkeling! But, really, everyone in our group loved it! I did, too, when I relaxed. I’ve had the fun of snorkeling in Hawaii, too, but in much shallower water. Believe me, if I could do it, you could, too – and you would love it as much as we did.
Nancy, great article. Of course, I love to read about your adventures in the Galapagos as it brings back so many memories. I remember the dingys. We went out twice a day. I never went snorkeling there, but my grandson did. I loved watching the sea lions; they are delightful. The photo that you took of the one floating upside down is so cute.
You are such a good travel writer; you make everything come alive! I’m just right there with you. Love it that you went ahead and went snorkeling…scared or not.
Nancy, you’re having so much fun you may never want to come back. Enjoy your travels so we can discuss them when you are back in Seattle.
Thanks so much for being such a faithful reader of my blog posts, Nancy – and for your kind comments! I do try to live by Susan Jeffers’ model: “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway.” Gulp.
I would love that, Ron! Can’t wait to tell you even more about this fantastic journey ~
Nancy Girlfriend! You did it again! A winning entry to a wonderful blog-you, above everyone are inspiring me to add pics to my blog! but yours are so awesome!
I don’t have to go to the Galapagos because I feel like I am actually experiencing it with you! Thanks for that since I don’t think unless I win the lottery or get to the New York Times Best seller list(which I consider are about even!) I probably won’t be goingin this lifetime but at least I can experience it with you!
And 45 minutes really isnt enough for snorkeling! I like this last post a bit more than the one before because I am not so tired afterwards! lol
Keep it up!
Samantha Stacia
Thanks, Samantha! I’m happy you’re living vicariously through my photoblog. BUT, if you hear the Galapagos Islands whispering to you, I encourage you to consider making a trip. You can make the trip more affordable with advance planning. For example, using frequent flyer miles will cut the flight cost, but you’ll need to book a ways out. Also, go for a combination cruise/shore trip where you can take day tours to the islands and sleep in a hotel on shore at night. I wouldn’t want you to rule out a trip to the Galapagos completely because of cost.
Looks like it was an awesome time. I have done a lot of scuba diving and being among animals and fish in their natural habitat is a feeling that cannot be described.
It was incredible, Gerry! Sounds like you know exactly what I’m talking about. Thanks for stopping by ~
The sea lions in your photos look like they’re having just about as much fun as you! I live near fresh water only, but have snorkeled before and LOVED it. The experience of being under the water somehow makes me forget about everything going on above the water!! Thanks for sharing and enjoy! Great piece.
Thanks, Astra! You’re so right – Snorkeling really is a portal to another world just waiting for us to explore.
What kind of camera did you use for the underwater shots? Or was it just that clear from the surface? Love reading 🙂
Hi, Beth! I just used an inexpensive Kodak underwater camera. I was lucky to get any photos at the speed those sea lions went zipping by! I would take a picture, then hand my camera to my guide, Jorge, who always got the most amazing shots – reinforcing what I feared: the problem wasn’t with the camera, it was the photographer (me)!
Sounds (and looks) like so much fun.
Yes, indeed, Chris – great fun! Thanks for visiting ~