Swimming with Sharks

I was in two minds over the title of this blog entry. My original title was going to be 'Boobie Watching' but I was concerned that it would be too smutty and might attract the wrong sort of reader. It would be great for my site traffic though! In the end I went for the less titular title, although strictly speaking it is not very accurate as there was only one shark, and not a very big one at that. But it still counts in my book.

Yesterday we were taken from the dock at San Cristobel and travelled for two hours to Kicker Rock. On the way we stopped to watch a Boobie colony - stop your laughing at the back and pay attention - and marvelled at these blue-footed birds. Unfortunately we didn't get to see the Boobie dance - stop it - but it was great to finally see thee birds in the flesh after seeing them on documentaries for years.

After this brief stop, it was off to Kicker Rock. Jumping off backwards into the deep ocean as waves crash against the rocks is not something you do every day, thank God, but necessary if you want to exit the boat with any sort of dignity. Wearing flippers takes some practice and on land, or in a boat, they are somewhat cumbersome. Once on the water, however, they become extremely useful.

I have never swam in such deep water - no chance of touching the bottom here - but it makes for an exhilarating trip. The sheer amount of sea life on display was breathtaking as fish and over sea animals emerged from the depths to feed on the algae that was attached to the rocks. Even sharks! Or rather a shark, joined in the feast.

Not to be outdone, sea lions joined in, giving me the fright of my life as it swam past me. I'm no biologist but I'm sure that was a smirk on its face! 

For some, being in the ocean was a respite from the boat as the bobbing motion whilst we had gotten ready was too much for them, or more accurately their stomachs. That didn't stop some people emptying the contents as we swam around the rock, if you know what I mean. Still, I guess the additional food in the water may have helped attract more wildlife!

Today we transfer four hours by speed boat to Isabella, another Galapogean island with a whole different set of animals to encounter. Can't wait. But for now, Boobies and Sharks will do for me.....