During the night, we repositioned to Española (formerly known as Hood Island).
Experienced snorkelers could bring their own gear, but the Endeavour had wet suits, flippers, masks & snorkels, and flotation vests for everyone. Choosing our gear on the sun deck was quite a sight, but everyone got squared away and we were off.
I learned to snorkel from the beach (experienced snorkelers did deep water snorkeling around Gardner Islet offshore). It took a few tries for me to get my mask tight enough so that I didn't get salt water in my eyes (I was wearing my contacts), and I chose to not use the flippers for this first attempt, concentrating on the mask and breathing. I managed to get out far enough from shore that the water was over my head. I did see fish and I didn't get much salt water in my mouth, so I guess it was a success!
First attempt
Sylvie gives Kathi some pointers
That's Kathi, floating in the center of the photo. No, I didn't snorkel out to the ship!
OK, time for a break!
Yay, I can do this!
Another try
After I was done snorkeling, Kevin & I just enjoyed the beach. There were sea lions, shore birds, and brown pelicans.
And a young sea lion pup, seeming caught in the wash of the incoming waves. We had 2 young girls traveling in our group, and they kept encouraging the pup to return to its mother.
Great morning... while we were snorkeling, some people were kayaking. Then we all were ferried back onboard for lunch. I had octopus and mahi mahi, among other things.
Every day there were presentations by the naturalists--geology, human history in the archipelago, Darwin, finch research, even a guest presentation from one of the researchers at the Darwin Institute. There were video presentations as well--on Darwin, an overview of the Galápagos, and more. This was in addition to the abundance of information given by each of the naturalist guides who accompanied us whenever we went ashore or out in the Zodiacs.
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