GalapagosGuys

Scuba divers in the Galapagos Islands were thrilled for an opportunity to swim with the most sophisticated and formidable of all the ocean's hunters. Returning to the liveaboard ship after a dive, they were surprised to find that several Orcas were passing through the area. They had climbed into the inflatable boat, referred to as a "panga" that shuttles divers to and from the dive sites while the cruise boat is anchored. The orcas were extremely curious about the divers and the small boat and they circled around them, eyeing them with great interest. Few people would be confident enough to slip into the water with these giants, but these divers couldn't resist. Orcas communicate and work cooperatively to hunt any animal they wish, even great white sharks. There is nothing in the ocean that poses a threat to these powerful and skillful beasts. They are one of the most intelligent animals on the planet, next to humans, and their reputation as killers has struck fear in our hearts when we think of these whales sharing the water with us. Along with our fear, we also feel undeniable awe when we witness their size and power. The truth is that attacks on humans in the wild have never been documented. These divers know that the orcas will not see them as food or as a threat. Slipping into the ocean to get a close look poses no danger. One of the divers has asked for permission from the panga driver and scuba guide to jump overboard. Wise divers will always seek approval from the experts who run the tours and keep them safe. The excitement in the guide's voice as he yells "go" and follows them in reveals what a rare and spectacular opportunity this is. They were rewarded for their bravery with a close encounter and thrilling interaction that none of them will ever forget. The orcas circle around the divers for several passes, inspecting them and watching them without concern. Few people will ever be able to look into the eyes of the ocean's top predator.

This large spotted eagle stingray swims through the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands as if it has nothing to fear. A full grown stingray can inflict a life threatening wound with it's large, sharp barbs. The 6 barbs are equipped with a powerful toxin that will cause tremendous pain. This would be enough to deter all but the most determined predators. Eagle rays are preyed upon by several species of shark yet, this large ray cruises unconcerned among them and even around scuba divers. The divers were in complete awe of this magnificent creature. Spotted eagle rays are generally shy and reclusive but they are known to occasionally be curious about scuba divers who are slow and non-threatening. These divers are very fortunate to experience such an up close interaction with this beautiful animal. Spotted eagle rays have very distinctive markings that create a stunning black and white pattern on their back. Their snout is unlike that of other stingrays. The broad, flat bill is used to dig in the sand to uncover mollusks, crabs, and other small animals which the eagle ray preys upon. These rays detect the animals buried in the sand with their electroreceptors in their heads and snouts. They can detect the electrical impulses of even the smallest creatures. Intelligent and beautiful, these creatures are a spectacle to behold.

Scuba divers in the Galapagos Islands entered the water near Darwin Island and headed for the rocks at the bottom, 70 feet deep. They found themselves in the middle of a pack of curious Galapagos sharks. These are the top predators in these waters.

Spotted eagle rays are large, majestic stingrays that inspire awe and wonder. They cruise through the ocean. This video is truly mesmerizing!

The Galapagos Islands are a set of remote islands that are part of Ecuador. Formed several million years ago by volcanic eruptions, these islands are now home to some of the most unique and diverse life on the planet. The waters around the Galapagos are an equally fascinating world with an abundance of marine life. Whale sharks and hammerheads congregate here in great numbers, brought by the three main ocean currents that converge in this area. This meeting of the rich currents brings an upwelling of marine life and food close to the surface and this supports huge populations of fish. Hammerhead sharks know that the Galapagos Islands hold a tremendous supply of food and they school here by the thousands. Scuba divers come to watch these magnificent animals in their natural environment. Divers plunge into the ocean and descend straight to the bottom. Here they sit among the rocks and watch what can only be described as the world's biggest and most spectacular Imax theatre. The animals swim past, over, and among the spectators. As much as these divers know that they are no danger from these incredible beasts, looking up at their powerful jaws and rows of teeth tests a person's fortitude nonetheless. This is one of the few areas of the world where scuba divers can witness the "wall of hammerhead sharks". The sharks swim in such vast numbers that they resemble a wall. sharks are able to rest one hemisphere of their brains at a time so that they can remain in motion. They are able to perceive and react to threats even while they are at rest. The smaller fish seem to recognize that they are in no danger, but this will change abruptly as night falls and the hammerheads engage in hunting behaviour. These fish that swim so casually beside and around the sharks will need to be wary after dark.

The ocean is full of creatures that are more unique and bizarre than we could ever imagine. The underwater world is home to animals that live in a delicate balance. They are predators one minute and prey the next. The tide can turn in an instant and almost every living being here must be constantly aware of looming threats. Many animals possess surprising means of self defense and others have unique abilities that make them very efficient predators. Survival in the ocean is not always a matter of who is larger or stronger. The Triglidae, also known as the sea robin is a fish that is unlike any other. It is a bottom dweller that has large pectoral fins that resemble the wings of a bird. This feature is what gives the fish its name. The pectoral fins and supportive structures separate as the fish develops. The fin rays are used for locomotion, allowing the sea robin to walk along the sand or bottom structure. These walking rays have another amazing purpose. They allow the sea robin to detect prey buried beneath the sand through chemoreception. They detect the amino acids of marine invertebrates. The sea robin can stir up creatures from the sand and then inhale and eat them. As a defense, the sea robin has a very thick skull and armoured plates, making it difficult for all but the strongest of predators to eat. They have an unusual feature that is used for creating a drumming sound. They possess a muscle that beats against the swim bladder when they are threatened. When removed from the water, this will produce a croaking sound, similar to a frog. The sea robin has recently been sought as a food source by humans. They have a firm flesh and a mild taste that makes them very popular for the French dish, bouillabaisse. They are also used for soups and stews due to their firm texture. But for the scuba diver or nature enthusiast, they are a fascinating sight on the reef, and far too interesting to eat.

The albatross is the largest flying bird and it has the longest wingspan of any living bird. It's wings reach 3.7m (12 feet) in span. They are enormous creatures and highly efficient flyers. Albatrosses make lengthy journeys over water, able to soar on air currents with little exertion. They have the ability to lock the tendons in their wings to greatly reduce the effort required to keep their wings outstretched. Although it is widely believed that they can sleep in the air, this is yet to be documented or proven. Albatrosses feed on squid, fish, and krill by diving and surface scavenging. The albatross mates for life and they will lay one egg per season, usually on remote oceanic islands. This is a very young chick that lives on a remote island in the Galapagos. It is highly unlikely that this baby has ever seen a human. A hiker has discovered the baby in a nest beside the seldom used path and he stops to quietly take a video before moving on. The chick watches with curiosity as the hiker captures the moment on video. This chick has probably seen very few living creatures. It seems to believe that the hiker has come to provide it with food and he opens his mouth imploringly. The chick's mother is out hunting but she will return periodically to feed her young with regurgitated squid and fish. She will also feed her baby stomach oil that she makes from partially digested food. This is an energy rich food that is lighter and easier for her to carry. Male albatrosses share the parental duties and they mate for life. Albatrosses are the longest living bird known, with one female named "Wisdom" having been recorded and tracked since 1956. The hiker capturing this video was careful to not disturb the chick and he quickly moved on after making a brief video. In the Galapagos Islands, the residents have a great respect for nature and the animal life there. They fully understand the need for humans to avoid interference at all costs.

The Galapagos Islands are home to many wonderful and amazing creatures, both above and beneath the waves. One of the more impressive sights here is the large schooling hammerheads. Resting one hemisphere of their brain at a time, they are able to swim and avoid collisions with other animals while they sleep. They are also able to pursue prey, if they choose. The fish seem to know that the hammerheads are not often interested in feeding during the day and they swim among the sharks without much concern. They also seem to know that they are more agile than the sharks and they can usually evade capture if they see the sharks coming in time. An agitated hammerhead shark makes a sudden attempt to catch a meal in this video. Scuba divers have wedged themselves into the rocks at the edge of Darwin Island and they have a spectacular view of the sharks swimming past and around them. The sharks are unconcerned with the divers, and although it is disconcerting to see a shark suddenly turn on the feeding response, the divers are in no danger. Scuba divers and nature enthusiasts come from all over the world to witness the spectacle of the wall of hammerheads and the whale sharks that cruise through the waters around Darwin and Wolf Islands.

Pufferfish are small and beautiful fish that can be found in oceans around the world. They are slow moving and clumsy, yet they are the most deadly fish, and even the most deadly animal on the planet, if consumed. The organs of the pufferfish contain a powerful neurotoxin that is sufficient to kill 30 adult humans. Even the skin and some of the flesh contains dangerous amounts of the toxin. Although it is a mysterious process that allows the pufferfish to create this deadly substance, it is now widely believed that the toxins are created by bacteria that live in the intestines and digestive tract of the pufferfish. If the fish is ingested, a human or animal will experience tingling, numbness, paralysis and death. The toxins are often fatal within 24 hours and there is no known antidote. Despite the immense danger associated with consuming pufferfish, it is considered a delicacy in certain Asian cultures. Chefs with great skill are able to prepare the fish in ways that lessen the danger, but mistakes are often fatal. Consuming the fish raw adds to the likelihood that it can be life threatening. For some, experiencing minor effects of the toxin is considered a thrill, and the near brush with death entices them to consume the pufferfish for the adventure. For scuba divers, these adorable fish are a welcome sight on the reef. When given a respectful distance, the pufferfish minds its own business. If threatened, it can inflate and extend spines, making it difficult to swallow. If an animal succeeds in swallowing the fish, the inflated puffers can cause the predator to choke or to experience blockage and dangerous injury in the stomach. And despite its baby faced appearance, the pufferfish has immense and powerful teeth, capable of inflicting a nasty bite, if needed. For the underwater photographer who has a healthy respect for these fish, they make excellent photographic subjects. The ocean is full of strange and fascinating creatures. Many have unique and effective defense mechanisms to ensure their survival.

The Galapagos Islands are home to many wonderful and unique animals, both above and below the waves. The sea lions are among the most interesting of them all. Nicknamed "sea dogs" and "ocean puppies", they are curious and playful, much like our canine companions. Sea lions are sleek and graceful in the water. They glide effortlessly using their front flippers for propulsion. Surprisingly quick and agile, they are capable hunters that can outswim fish and other marine life. But the young sea lions spend most of their time playing instead of hunting. When these sea lions encountered a group of scuba divers near the shore of Bartholome Island, they danced around them, inviting them to play in their underwater ballet. The arced all around the divers, peering into their faces and nibbling on their fins, challenging them to follow or imitate them in their beautiful maneuvers. Understandably, the scuba divers were thrilled with the encounter. But humans are clumsy in the underwater world and there is no way for them to keep up with these youngsters. Sea lions will care for their young for up to three years. A colony will have one dominant male who will chase other males away when they become old enough to breed. They may challenge the alpha male for his position and his breeding rights, but they will usually go off on their own to establish their own colonies. The females leave the young sea lions on or near the shore while they go out into the ocean to hunt for eels, octopus, fish, and crabs. They will return with a full belly and the young will nurse happily, living off the nutrient rich milk for 2 to 3 years. While the mothers are out looking for food, the young will use the time for frolicking like these two are eager to do. Sea lions are truly the clowns of the ocean with their underwater antics and their playful natures. They are adorably clumsy on land but they are impressively mobile in the surf. Intelligent and curious, it is not uncommon for them to suddenly appear to inspect scuba divers. This is always a welcome sight and an interaction like this makes for an unforgettable dive experience.

Channel clinging crabs are enormous creatures that come out in the night to wander over the coral and rocks. They can weigh up to 2kg (4.4lbs) and have a span of more that 60cm (2.5 feet) with claws outstretched. They are a species of spider crab and they are the largest crabs in the Caribbean. These crabs can be seen on rare occasions during the day as they hide in coral ledges and caves. They come out on the reef at night to feed on carrion and algae. This is essential to the health of the reef as they keep the algae from overwhelming and killing the coral. They also clean up the rotting meat and decaying flesh that would also be detrimental to the health of the reef. These scuba divers encountered this giant crab walking over the coral in search of food as they explored the reef on a night dive. The reef comes alive under the cover of darkness as nocturnal animals venture out in search of a meal. The animals that dominate this realm in the dark often have keener night vision or an enhanced sense of smell, allowing them to hunt and find food more effectively. Many animals take shelter as the sun goes down as they are well aware that they are at a disadvantage in the dark. The line between predator and prey is a fine one and it can change quickly as night falls. These large crabs are well protected by their spiny limbs and hard shells. A full grown crab like this one is unafraid of most fish, but sharks, octopus and even large moray eels are able to crack their shells easily. For these scuba divers, the sight of one of these magnificent and unusual creatures made for a memorable dive.

Hummingbirds are nature's aerial acrobats. Capable of flying extremely fast and maneuvering with unequalled agility, the hummingbirds are difficult to see, except in rare moments when they hover or land briefly. This hummingbird in the Galapagos Islands was attracted by a red cap with sweet nectar inside. The young man feeding it has learned that with enough patience, and slow movements, the birds will trust him enough to land on his palm for a snack. There are more than 360 species of hummingbird, some larger than others. The bee hummingbird weighs two grams while the giant hummingbirds weigh up to 24 grams. Hummingbirds are omnivores, consuming flying insects and spiders in addition to the nectar that is a large part of their diet. In the smaller birds, wing beats might reach 80 per second, making their wings impossible for the human eye to see. Hummingbirds have the highest mass-specific metabolic rate of any homeothermic animal. When food is scarce or during nighttime when foraging is not possible, the hummingbird is capable of entering a dormant state, much like hibernation to reduce its metabolism to approximately 1/15th the normal rate. Hummingbirds are one of the most adored of all the bird species.

Solon is an experienced diver who has met some of the ocean's most wonderful creatures up close. He has been guiding scuba divers on underwater adventures for more than 30 years and has completed more than 15,000 dives.

Galapagos sharks are the top predator in the waters around Darwin and Wolf Islands in the Galapagos. On rare occasions, orcas make an appearance in these waters, and they are undisputed as the king of the ocean, but it is the Galapagos shark that occupies this position most of the time. The Galapagos shark is a large and bulky animal that preys on fish, sea lions, and even smaller sea turtles. They fear very little and they patrol these waters like they are in charge of their domain. This shark has taken interest in a scuba diver. It approaches slowly, making eye contact with a cold stare that lacks warmth or friendliness. In the eyes of sharks, new animals are quickly evaluated as either something to eat or something to ignore. This is the edge of Darwin Island and they are at a depth of 20m (60 feet). The scuba diver is photographing and video taping as she explores this beautiful and fascinating world. She sees a large shape approaching and she turns to face it. Despite the fact that these sharks rarely attack without provocation, it is unnerving to see such a large and powerful beast cruising straight toward you underwater. In comparison with almost all of the creatures that live here, humans are slow and clumsy. If a shark decided to attack, there would be little that a person could do in defense. But knowing that sharks are not the vicious creatures that they are reputed to be, the reaction of the scuba diver was one of wonder and awe, not fear. Sharks are magnificent and powerful animals that play a crucial role in our oceans. They keep the populations of other animals in check, ensuring the health of the entire underwater ecosystem. They even help keep specific populations healthy by ensuring that the weak or sick animals are not given an opportunity to reproduce. This is important for keeping gene lines strong in fish and other marine life. For scuba divers, a close encounter with a large shark like this is an experience that will never be forgotten.

whale sharks are magnificent creatures that top many bucket lists for animals to see in their natural environment. They are as beautiful as they are mysterious, and there is a great deal that we do not know or understand about these gentle giants. They can reach a length of nearly 30m (55 feet), and when fully grown, they are almost as immense as school bus. Whale sharks are actually sharks, not whales, and they are the largest of the species. They are one of the largest animals in the ocean, with only a few species of whale being larger. But despite this, they are also one of the most gentle animals in the ocean. They are almost incapable of hurting a human. They have no teeth and their throats are small. They could not bit or swallow people, even if they wanted to. There have been no recorded attacks on people and no recorded injuries caused by whale sharks. Whale sharks cruise through the water with their gaping mouths open, feeding on krill, plankton, and very small fish. They are filter feeders and they have combs to collect food, instead of teeth to chew it. They have no means of fighting predators and when they face a threat, they will outswim it or dive deep to avoid it. They are capable of extreme descents that take them out of the range of most sharks that would try to eat them. This whale shark is a young one, having not reached full size. It has approached a scuba diving boat in the Galapagos Islands at a remote spot near Darwin's arch and Darwin's Island. The arch has recently collapsed, but the site is still the perfect spot for underwater nature enthusiasts to observe these giants in their own world. The sharks congregate here due to the convergence of three ocean currents that bring food and an abundance of marine life. Scientists are not sure exactly what brings the whale sharks to these waters because they do not seem to feed here. Almost all of the sharks are large, pregnant females and it is believed that they may come here to give birth. There are few sightings of baby whale sharks on record anywhere in the world and little is known about their early years. This shark would be considered medium size. It has taken an extreme interest on the people on board the boat. It surfaced to stare and it spent several minutes swimming against the gentle current to maintain a position at the back where a few guides were cleaning dive gear. The guests on the boat were delighted to see this beautiful animal for such a prolonged and unusual encounter. As one of the guides bends down to get some water, we are able to fully appreciate the size of this shark. Having such a personal experience with a rare and wonderful creature like this is something these divers will never forget!

These scuba divers in the Galapagos Islands are witnessing something that few people ever get to see. After they finished their dive, they climbed out of the water and into a panga, a small inflatable boat that takes them from the larger cruise ship to their dive site. A pod of orcas has arrived and they are hunting and attacking a large ocean fish called a mola mola. The mola mola itself is an incredibly rare sight. This one is in trouble as it struggles to avoid this pod of killer whales that are biting it. It is injured and it is not able to dive deep as it would normally do when threatened. It is defenseless and no match for killer whales, the ocean's ultimate predator. The mola mola heads for the boat, possibly looking for a place to hide. The killer whales are also one of the ocean's most intelligent creatures and they aren't fooled by this attempt. They are also not shy and they regard the boat and the occupants with curiosity as they swim beneath. Incredibly, one of the divers asks if he can go in and the dive master gives him the "go ahead". The diver slips in and stays at the surface. His air from the previous dive will be very low and he isn't going to go to any depth. But he cannot resist the urge to get into the ocean and swim with these amazing animals. Killer whales are not known for attacking humans. Many people dive with them all over the world, without incident, and there is no reason for this diver to expect trouble here. Even so, it's hard to be so confident when there are three orcas on the hunt with their prey drive fully engaged. It definitely takes bravery to be so close to one of the ocean's largest and most powerful carnivores. Even great white sharks will not stay in an area inhabited by orcas. IN addition to their massive size and strength, they also possess the ability to communicate and hunt cooperatively, making them, without question, the most feared and respected animals on the planet. This diver will never forget his good fortune to be in the water watching them hunting like this.

Often called "sea dogs" or "ocean puppies", sea lions are among the most playful and happy of all the creatures in the ocean. The young sea lions frolic in the water and on the beaches, living a life of leisure while their mothers are out hunting for food. This is the Galapagos Islands and the sea lions cover almost every rocky shore and sandy beach available. Sea lions this size would be easy prey for sharks that inhabit the water around the Galapagos. The pups are wise not to venture out into the deep until they are full grown. The sea lion colonies consist of a few dozen females, their young, and one adult male who watches over his ladies with a protective eye. He will also protect the young sea lions in the colony from any harm that might come to them on land. The females go out several times a day in search of octopus, eels, fish, or any other food they can find. Agile and quick, they are able to catch food under the surface, often 30m deep. They can hold their breath for long periods of time as they hunt. They return to shore, tired from their efforts and they sleep on the sand while their pups eagerly drink their milk. The baby sea lions pass the time chasing each other on the sand or in the surf, barking and rolling around, having a great time. They truly seem like the happiest of animals as they play, nurse, sleep, and repeat. Curious creatures, young sea lions will often approach humans, but a human touching a baby sea lion will mean that it will be rejected by the mother and it will starve to death. When sea lions are young, they roam the beach in search of their mothers, hungry for milk. But not all mothers return from the ocean and the cries of their starving pups is one of the most heart breaking sounds imaginable. These pups are well fed and they are all thriving. In most cases, the mothers return with a full belly, and also full of milk for their pups. But while the mothers are away, the sea lions pups will play happily in the sunshine.

Scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands is a thrill like few others on earth. The ocean is full of life here with a diversity that is unlike any other place of earth. The underwater volcanic structures and unique combination of ocean currents support a rich abundance of life. Sharks thrive here and scuba divers are thrilled to see them during their underwater adventures. But these scuba divers were not so thrilled when they finished exploring and underwater cave and they headed back to the open ocean. They found a group of sharks had entered the cave and were resting just inside the opening. White tip sharks are not likely to attack humans, unless provoked, but the divers were not able to pass through the narrow chamber without coming into direct contact with the 9-10 foot beasts. This would definitely be inviting trouble and the divers would be unable to easily turn and retreat back inside the caverns. The moment provided an excellent opportunity to gets some spectacular footage of the unusual scenario with the sharks backlit in an eerie fashion. The scuba divers had planned their dive well and they had plenty of reserve air at this point in the dive. They calmly waited and watched the sharks and eventually all of them swam out into the open water, leaving the exit clear. But for a few minutes, the large sharks in the exit were an intimidating sight indeed! People who venture beneath the waves are wise to remember that they are the visitors, or even intruders in this mysterious domain. Incorrect behaviour here can have immediate and disastrous consequences. The ability to stay calm during unexpected challenges is crucial to survival in a world where your air supply is limited.

Tour guides in the Galapagos have made a heart breaking discovery in the waters off the remote islands. They have found marker buoys and floating plastic jugs that are attached to miles of fishing lines and netting. And what is worse is that there are sharks and billfish (swordfish) that have been hooked or entangled. These animals have died an agonizing death as they were kept from swimming, which would allow them to pass oxygenated water over their gills. They have died from stress, hunger or suffocation due to lack of oxygen. But among the heart break, there was also a little triumph as they found two of the sharks still alive and they were able to cut them loose and set them free. These are guides who work aboard an ecotour ship that takes scuba divers to the remote waters to experience the magnificence and beauty of the underwater world. The guides have a deep love for the ocean and a great respect for the animals who live there. Understanding the fragile balance of nature and sharing their knowledge with their clients is more than a livelihood for these men. It is also their passion. To see these animals die in such an inhumane and needless manner was hard for them. These fish are all top predators and they represent an important part of the food web and the delicate ecosystem. Hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, and billfish this large are necessary to maintain a healthy environment. They prey on the weak and the sick and they ensure strength in the genetic pool for the other prey species by continually putting pressure on the populations so that only the strong survive and breed. They also ensure that other predators do not overpopulate and wreak havoc on the species below them on this web. For many years, illegal fishing has threatened the apex predators and larger food fish in many areas, especially in the Galapagos Islands. There are countries that are allowing their fishing boats to cross international boundaries and fish where they are not permitted. These boats often turn off their navigational gear so they cannot be tracked and their countries cannot be held accountable. They will abandon fishing lines to flee the area if they fear being detected. This leaves debris and dangerous hooks and nets to drift and kill countless animals. Even turtles and whale sharks can become entangled. As consumers, we can help prevent this situation by carefully sourcing ethical fishing operations for our food and for boycotting those engaged in shark finning and other horrendous practices. This will require some research and possibly some added expense, but the benefit to our planet is well worth this effort.

Kira is a very energetic Terrier cross puppy who loves to play almost all day long. She has discovered that the bigfoot slippers her owner's friend wears make the perfect chew toy. She attacks them with the enthusiasm that only a puppy possesses, biting them as if they are a wild animal. Yet, she understands already that there is a foot inside the slipper because she is careful enough not to cause pain. Kira would play this game for hours, and her family adores watching her having such a good time. In fact, the main reason that her family and friends put these slippers on is to see Kira's reaction. Kira has a very loving home and gets all the attention and love that a growing puppy needs. She has children to play with as well, which is a good thing, because being a member of Kira's family requires them to have almost as much energy as she does. Few things are as adorable as a new puppy having such fun!

Giant Galapagos Tortoises are one of the oldest living animals on earth. Believed to be capable of living more than 200 years, individuals as large as this one might have been on the earth when Charles Darwin made his famous journey in 1835 upon the HMS Beagle. That historic journey brought Darwin to a world where the animals had been isolated from other populations of the same species. Darwin observed that there were unique differences in the physical characteristics of the animals that differentiated them from the same animals on other continents. It was these differences, or adaptations, that told Darwin that animals changed slightly from one generation to the next. Darwin concluded that the physical changes were brought about by the differences in the environment and that required adaptation to increase survival. Since the individuals that adapted were more likely to survive and more likely to pass on their genes through breeding, this created populations that possessed the same characteristics. Simply put, this was the theory of evolution. The finches and iguanas on these islands all have significant adaptations that help them survive in a harsh climate, as do most of the animals here. These tortoises are no exception. The tortoises are descended from the giant tortoises that roam Africa, but their shells are shaped differently. During dry seasons, vegetation becomes sparse and the tortoises need to reach higher into the shrubs to access leaves and shoots. Their reach of their long necks was limited by the shell behind their heads. Those with grooves or indentations in the shell were able to reach higher. Their increased survival meant that there would be more offspring produced by tortoises with this characteristic. Incremental changes occurred over many generations to produce tortoises with the curved carapaces that we see today. This tortoise has been spotted walking leisurely along the bike path on Santa Cruz Island in the Galalpagos. A nature guide has stopped to capture video and to let his children see the tortoise as he passes on his knowledge about the fascinating animals. Weighing as much as 220kg (485lbs), these enormous tortoises have little to fear when they are full grown. Residents of the islands have great respect for the wildlife here and they understand the delicate balance that keeps their ecosystems running smoothly. Tortoises are protected and interfering with them is avoided whenever possible. A trip to the Galapagos Islands isn't complete without a close look at these ancient beasts.

Scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands is a bucket list item for most diving enthusiasts around the world, and for good reason. Just check out this clip of a massive whale shark!

Sea ions are the true clowns on the animal kingdom. Much alike in personality to our loveable furry companions, the dogs, these animals never cease to impress and entertain us with their antics. Descended from California sea lions, these animals inhabit almost every beach and rocky shore in the Galapagos Islands, in Ecuador. Sea lions are not shy animals and they have no trouble coexisting closely with humans. They will approach people to beg for food, to take over their park benches, their boats, or even to reprimand them for disturbing their sleep. They constantly bark and call to each other as they gather and play in the sunshine. Even at night, their calls are constant until they settle down for a long sleep. This is a juvenile sea lion who has found this boat to be an appealing place to rest. But he has also decided to wander the back of the ship in search of anything interesting. Young sea lions seem fascinated with people and would readily come up to a human for a treat or even a scratch on the head, if allowed. But residents of the Galapagos Islands have a very firm policy on remaining uninvolved with the animals whenever possible. There are strict laws here that require humans to keep 2m (6 feet) away from wildlife and to avoid physical contact. This works well for all concerned and they gently remind their guests that it is an important policy. As tempting as it would be to pet the animals or to feed them, it is seen as interference. The tourists in this video can be heard speaking excitedly about the antics of this baby, and a local guide explains that it is a young California sea lion. The animal life in the Galapagos Islands is among the most unique and diverse on the planet. Many of the islanders are well versed in great details about their animals and they are happy to share their knowledge. Despite thriving populations here, the animals exist in a fragile and delicate balance. Understanding the specific and crucial roles of each animal species is a key part of protecting them. A visit to the Galapagos Islands can be one of the most educational and exciting experiences that an adventurous traveler is likely to ever have.

The Galapagos Islands are home to incredible animals and diverse life, both above and below the surface of the ocean. Scuba divers come from all over the world to explore the depths and observe animals like whale sharks and other shark species up close. These divers have entered a cave that is 20m (60 feet) below the surface. They turn on their lights and enter, unsure of what to expect. The scuba diver discovers sleeping white tipped reef sharks, a gigantic moray eel, and a large Pacific green turtle, also taking a nap. This seems unusual for sharks to gather and sleep because we were once under the mistaken impression that sharks would not be able to breath unless they are in constant motion to keep water moving over their gills. Most fish possess the ability to pump water through their gills but many sharks are unable to do this. Hammerheads are a good example and it was once believed that they did not sleep since they swam constantly. Sharks that constantly move are able to rest half of their brain at a time, entering a state of reduced consciousness. They are still able to avoid predators or objects as they swim, because half of their brain is awake. These white tipped reef sharks do not need to keep moving and they are able to sleep fully while sheltering on the sandy bottom of caves like this one. The turtle will also sleep for a brief period but it will need to go to the surface for a few breaths of air. As we discover more about this exciting and mysterious realm, we also learn that there is much more that we do not understand. New species and new behaviours are being discovered constantly. As demonstrated by these sharks in this cave, most of the animals in the underwater world will do us no harm if we maintain the appropriate level of caution and respect. It is wise to remember that we are the guests in this beautiful domain.

The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most diverse and fascinating life on the planet. These islands are very new in geological terms, having emerged from the ocean due to volcanic eruptions 400 million years ago. Barren and lifeless, they were simply chunks of cooled lava until the surface changed over many years to support the first plants. They were followed long after by sea birds and then animals that found their way there on rafts of floating vegetation. Very slowly, the islands became home to many species of plants and animals, cut off from the rest of the world by the great distance from other land masses. Life here on the islands has evolved on its own line, with animals adapting to long periods of drought and hardship. They have developed unique traits and physical characteristics that were important for the survival of the species. The people of the Galapagos understand and respect the delicate balance of nature in this world. They exist in harmony with the animals and interfere as little as possible. They encourage others to respect this as well, and tourists are gently reminded to let nature take care of its own. But the pelicans are one of the exceptions. Large, strong birds with few predators, they have little fear of the humans who bring in their morning catch of fish and lobster. They pelicans have learned that there might be scraps and entrails to be had when the boats come in to the harbour. This fish market on Santa Cruz is a popular destination for tourists and also for the locals. The pelicans are not the only creatures looking for a free meal. Marine iguanas, giant frigates, herons, and also sea lions patrol the sidewalk and areas around the counter as the fishermen cut the fish and get it ready for sale. Locals come for the opportunity of a fresh purchase, and also for the entertainment as the animals gather in great numbers. Throwing the entrails in the garbage and taking them to the landfill will result in scavengers getting their meals there. It makes just as much sense to toss the waste in the direction of the eager and hungry mob of animals at the counter. The pelicans scramble to move out of the way as people walk through, but they quickly line up again, salivating and keeping a sharp eye on the fish. As the pelicans are tossed a large chunk by the generous fisherman, they squawk in what sounds much like comical human laughter. While in the Galapagos Islands, a trip to the fish market is an absolute must, especially with a camera.