January 14 – Isla Lobos and Leon Dormida Snorkeling Sites

Today I swam with sea lions, turtles, and sharks- it was an incredible day!  We met our tour guides at the pier in the morning and our snorkeling adventure began.  On our way to Kicker Rock, we passed Frigate Hill, the alcove where Charles Darwin probably landed when he arrived at the Galapagos.  Then, we proceeded to Kicker Rock, which got its name because it looks like a shoe (or a sleeping lion- it’s still up for debate!).

After arriving and putting on my snorkel mask and flippers, I jumped into the turquoise, crisp water.  As soon as I began to swim and look down I felt as if I was swimming in an aquarium.  My grandma lived in Brooklyn and I visited the New York aquarium at least once or twice a year when I was little.  Instead of pointing out vibrant, colorful fish to my mom, I was swimming amidst them!  We swam close to the shore because there was abundant sea life in the shallow waters.  I saw many different kinds of fish in all shapes and sizes.  I was especially fascinated by the black fish with yellow fins, crabs, blue footed boobies, and of course sea lions.  The blue footed boobies are excellent divers- we saw them diving for fish and resting on volcanic rock near the shore.  Baby sea lions are very playful and came to swim with us.  They dove above and below me and I attempted to twist and turn with them.  I did not want to leave the water or my new friends!

We had the night off for dinner, and I went to a small restaurant on the boardwalk.  Eating grilled fish overlooking a beach filled with sea lions was the perfect end to a picturesque day!