If you are ever able to make it out to the Galápagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador, there is one thing you absolutely must do: SNORKEL. I say this because it is absolutely amazing. The entire experience is exhilarating. First, you put all your gear on, like a wetsuit, flippers, goggles and snorkel mask. Then, you enter the water from the side of the boat (bonus points if you're the first one in your group to get in the water). Then, you freeze for a few seconds as surprisingly cold water rushes over your body and envelops you in the ocean. You may have been under the impression that since the Galápagos are located on the equator, the water would be warm like in the Caribbean. That would be incorrect. The water is so cold because of the way currents work. After the temperature adjustment, the view is unbelievable. During an excursion off the coast of Isla Santa Cruz, I saw hundreds of fish, ranging in size, color, and shape. I also swam with my classmates toward the shore where we swam with multiple fun sea lions (lobos marinos in Spanish, literally translating to "marine wolves"). If you blow bubbles underwater, they come and play with you. After a while, we had attracted so many sea lions that the dominant male (the alpha), decided he needed to come break it up and reclaim his territory. The alpha was about 2-3 times larger than the average sea lion, and had a fun time getting between Lucas and the other sea lions to show that he was still in charge. At a different location, I witnessed a massive sea turtle feeding underwater on some plants growing on rocks. I was able to touch its shell. Yes, it was awesome. I also saw skates, sting rays, manta rays, penguins, and even numerous white tip reef sharks, which may or may not have been extremely close to me... OK They were extremely close to me! =)
-Matthew the snorkeler
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