top of page

207. Snorkel

June 27, 2010 and July 29, 2015

 

I've only been snorkeling twice (well technically more than that....but it was multiple times within the same 2 trips) and they were probably the best snorkel trips one could ask for!!

 

Snorkel #1:  - Scene - Galapagos

                      - Occasion - study abroad in Ecuador

                      - Scenery - somewhat akin to Finding Nemo.  I remember                                           being in awe over the colorful starfish and some coral

                      - Wildlife spotted - Manta rays,  nursing sharks from afar,  but                                                                most memorable: Sea Lions! 

                      -  Favorite memories -

 

The sea Lions aren't hunted in that area and aren't afraid of humans in the slightest, we're just another strange animal out in the wild.   Sea lions are one of the most playful creatures on the face of the planet and really come alive in the water.  Their favorite activity was Almost Tag I swear! They would swim right up to our faces (and we were adamently told NOT to touch any wildlife, but ESPECIALLY the sea lions) and then turn on a dime away from us as if they were telling us to chase after them! They were everywhere. All around us.  It felt as fun and euphoric as a dream.  I would go back to the Galapagos JUST for the sea lions alone.

THE MANATEES!! An absolute dream!! I was only in Caye Caulker for a little over a day.  But I saw they had advertised Manatee snorkeling tours.....so that instantaneously turned into priority #1 in my short time on the island. I knew I was cutting it close as I had about a 2 hour cushion from the time the tour was suppose to end to the time I had to catch the last boat going off the island in order to head home.  

 

But the first dive was our attempt to find the legendary sea cows!  I was about ready to jump out of my skin to swim with these friendly giants.  Finally, we saw my very first ever manatee.  And it sat there. On the ocean floor. Doing nothing.   Lazy manatee.  THANKFULLY  a little farther on there were 2 more manatees, and they were the cutest things EVER.  They acted like high school sweethearts.  One would playfully touch the other's face. And that one would respond with a kiss.  They were so cuddly and lovable, I just wanted to give them a big bear hug and take them home with me. 

 

We went on several dives, one including numerous sea turtles who's shells I touched after the coercion from one of the guys I met on the tour (great guy!).....(not completely sure I was allowed to touch them....but...oh well).  Then my next favorite dive was the shark dive!!!  The tour guide would throw fish out to lure the sharks  close to the boats.  These nursing sharks ranged anywhere from 3-12+ feet.  My Swiss friend, Roman, showed me bear hugging these sharks was a perfectly acceptable, fun, and adrenaline inducing activity; because - c'mon....shark hugging.  

 

So kiddos if you ever get the chance to snorkel - take it. Completely worth it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

*only one picture (the one with me) is my picture.....hopefully this page will be updated in the future with my own pictures from Ecuador and Belize. 

bottom of page