‘The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.’ –Robert Wyland

On my first full day in the Galapagos, Terra Sur Travels arranged for a trip to Santa Fe Island! It was a day on the water and three different snorkeling sessions. I will say, I was a tad nervous. I had not been snorkeling since the Great Barrier Reef, where I had a massive panic attack and took all the courage I had to get into the water. I am happy to report, this day of snorkeling went much better!

It did get off to a slightly nervy start. My itinerary was to report at my designated location by 8 am. So I got there 15 before, confirmed I was in the right spot. Then waited and waited. While I was aware of ‘island’ time, not knowing when your boat was leaving and no way to get in contact with the tour as I continued to wait, not the best feeling. Fortunately my guide arrived about 8:15-8:20 and the boat headed out about 9. There were 7 or 8 guests plus the crew, so an intimate tour. It was a bit choppy getting out there, so make sure to note that. I don’t get sea sick (thank god) but someone did. A snack/tea time and lunch was also provided and I was really impressed. I am not a big fan of seafood and, of course, lunch was grilled tuna. I ate some but not my cup of tea. I had snacks so I was fine. Also, I brought my REI Sahara Sun Shirt and it was perfect for the boat, sun protection (and I’m Irish, so much needed) and quick drying. I love it so much, while I bought two colors, I really want all of them now!

Our first stop was part of the island where loads of fish hang out. It was so fun! It was also the point where my underwater camera was like nope. I did have my GoPro and the snorkel guide took some great shots for me. He offered and I said sure, so some of the images are clips from his video on my GoPro. I did not take my phone on this part, since I thought I had my camera, so did not get a lot of images. But the experience was incredible. When you go underwater, you can hear clicking noises-it’s the fish eating off the rocks! Also, a note that maybe a bit TMI…I was wearing my favorite Aerie swimsuit, I actually wore it for the Great Barrier Reef, and a life jacket-which I recommend regardless because it is a lot of swimming and time in the water and the life jacket makes it much easier to just enjoy. Anyway, there were straps that connect on the groin area, along my bikini line. Well, when you are swimming, those lines pull up and gave me some gnarly rope burn. Never again, well, yes to the life vest, no for the straps that go underneath. Anytime they tried to attach them on the next couple of day trips snorkeling, I just unclipped in the water.

The next stop on Santa Fe was one of the highlights of my life. We were able to swim with sea lions! There were tons on the rock face and then you would go underwater, they would just surround you. Since my underwater camera broke, I used my phone plus the GoPro (which the snorkel guide took some more cool video). The water felt great, a bit chilly but growing up on the Pacific maybe I didn’t notice, ha. The sea lions were quite loud and chatty. At one point, one played with the rope of the emergency buoy the guide had. I just remember swimming along, videoing the animals and going underwater, only to have 8 of them surrounding me. None got to close and there wasn’t a male, who are aggressive and should be avoided. It was just so cool! The guide got a great video of me with a baby sea lion-another perk of the life jacket, made it easy to just float there and enjoy the experience versus concentrating on keeping myself afloat. I just couldn’t believe that this is my life.

We then headed into the bay where the sea turtles hang out. Well, there weren’t a lot of them but I will take seeing one over none! It was just so serene swimming in the crystal clear water. There was also a huge stingray! And later, a giant blob of fish AKA a Bait Ball. It looked like a dark circle, while too deep to swim through (well, at least with a snorkel), it was such a cool thing to see. It just looked like a solid black mass. I was also, again, glad to be wearing my life jacket because it was a lot of swimming into the bay, probably over an hour in the water, so others were very tired and I was not.

Then we headed back to Santa Cruz Island. Just a truly incredible, pinch me kind of day! And no panic attacks!