Galapagos Islands; Part VI

–Day 9-San Cristobal Island–

Well the eight day incredible boat trip has regrettably ended; however, I still have several days at liberty in the Galapagos before my flight back to Quito.  Jackson, Guy and I have decided to hang together for a couple more days.

The Adventure Continues

We take a three hour fast boat trip to San Cristobal Island and check into a hostel for the night.  The following day we book what promises to be a great snorkeling boat trip. We go with a combination of divers and snorkelers, leaving at 9 am.  We stop at an inlet for a snorkel and for the divers to test their equipment.  During the snorkel two sea lions come right at me, playing, and circle around me within a foot or two. I resist the temptation to reach out and touch them.  However, I am captivated and in awe by their speed and playfulness as they cavort around me.

Sea Lions off San Cristobal Island, Galapagos, Ecuador

So Cute!

Back on the boat we head to Kicker’s Rock, a unique formation in the ocean where we do two snorkels.  Just when you think the dives can’t get any better, they do.  We zigzag between the two rock walls.   I see two white-tipped sharks and a Galapagos shark.  Many friendly sea lions swimming very close.  For me the best part is the amazing coral growing on the vertical rock walls  it is red, pink, purple, yellow, etc.  Blue starfish are there as well.  Fish in and out nibbling on bits of coral and adjacent plants.  A kaleidoscope of colors.  JUST AMAZING!!!!

Kicker's Rock, Galapagos Islands

Snorkeling off Kicker's Rock, Galapagos Islands

Coral Formation, Kicker's Rock

Galapagos Sea Turtle and Coral Formation

Amazing Coral Formation on Vertical Rock Surface