GalapagosGuys

Scuba divers travel from all over the world to explore the deep waters around the remote islands in the Galapagos. These adventurers have embarked on a long boat voyage to the waters around Darwin and Wolf Island. It is here that they hope to see one of the largest creatures in the world; the whale shark. Whale sharks are the largest fish in any ocean and they are second in size only to a few species of whales. But, while waiting patiently for a whale shark to cruise past them on the ocean currents, these divers will see hammerheads, turtles, rays and many species of fish. But an unexpected bonus on this dive was a large, and very affectionate fish that came over to see the divers close up. This leather bass began following the diver with the camera. It rubbed itself on his legs and fins like a lost puppy and then came up to his face, seemingly wanting to be petted. It spent a few moments with him and then went to the diver behind him for the same thing. The leather bass peered curiously into the diver's eyes and then playfully grabbed at some of her bubbles. After being petted yet again, it went along to the third diver for a similar display of affection. This sort of behaviour is very unusual for a fish and the diver's were filled with surprise and wonder. Most scuba divers welcome an interaction like this with a wild animal as it does not happen often. This leather bass was obviously curious and trusting and it seemed to be eager for an interaction itself. But leather bass are a unique fish and they are intelligent enough to understand the benefit of using larger animals to aid them in ambushing prey. They will often swim alongside a larger fish or even an eel in order to use it as cover, and to prey on the smaller fish that are distracted and disturbed by them. This fish didn't seem interested in hunting though and the close face to face contact was an interesting and wonderful experience for these underwater nature enthusiasts.

Whale sharks are among the largest creatures on the planet, closely behind only a few species of whale. They are the largest sharks, and even the largest fish in the ocean. They are massive and majestic and to see one close up inspires wonder and fascination. Scuba divers will often list sighting a whale shark underwater as one of the most beautiful moments that they have experienced. This scuba diver is recording his adventure in the remote waters near Darwin in the Galapagos Islands. The whale sharks come here for a mysterious purpose. Although scientists know very little about them and where the youngest whale sharks live, they do know that almost all of the whale sharks in the waters of the Galapagos are mature females, ready to give birth. This pregnant female cruises unconcerned, straight through the group of divers as they watch in wonder. One of the divers has his camera running and he records the face of the shark as it passes within a few feet of him. We can clearly see the area around the gills and directly above the pectoral fin. There is a large indentation and abnormal creases in the shark's body, suggesting heavy scarring or an abnormality at birth. The shark has obviously thrived, despite these wounds. As the shark passes the diver, we can also see a dent on the body near the tail where a chunk of flesh is missing. There is a portion missing on the tip of the tail as well, that could be the result of a shark bite or contact with a boat propeller. These sharks are gentle giants, possessing no teeth. They are harmless and unable to injure a person or a predator. Their typical means of defense is to outswim aggressors, or simply to dive to depths where they cannot be followed.

Sea lions are adorable creatures that capture our hearts and entertain us to no end. The Galapagos Islands are home to thousands of them and they populate almost every beach and rocky shore among the islands. They are playful and intelligent, and their antics are fun for the tourists as well as the residents of these beautiful islands. Often referred to as "sea dogs", they are very similar in personalities and facial expressions to our loveable canine companions. One of the most entertaining things about these sea lions is their habit of finding amusing places to sleep and sunbathe. These seal lions enjoy hopping into the little fishing boats and water taxis moored in the harbour. A large male has just returned from deeper waters and he is in search of his friends, or rather, his ladies. Male sea lions are in charge of colonies of a few dozen females and their offspring. They watch over them protectively and they also enjoy a little cuddle time, often sleeping right next to them. As the bull swam around, he popped up out of the water to look into a few boats before finally deciding on the one with a lone female. The bull gracefully propelled himself upwards and over the edge of the boat. Weighing up to 250kg (550lbs), this large male tipped the boat steeply before managing to heave himself fully onto it. As if proud of his accomplishment, or perhaps to announce his arrival, he barked loudly before settling down for a nap. The people of the Galapagos Islands have a wonderful respect for nature and for the animals that share their home. They are careful to avoid interfering with the animals as much as possible. They are also very tolerant of animals like these sea lions as they routinely take over their parked boats.

Scuba diving is a thrilling sport beyond description. The underwater world is filled with beauty and wonder. Unusual structures and corals line the bottom of the ocean, creating a landscape that is beautiful beyond description, and the animal life is equally breath taking. Dolphins are among the most fascinating of all the ocean's creatures. They are graceful and quick, often appearing for only a moment as they swim past scuba divers. But occasionally, they are curious enough to venture close to check out the humans that must appear so awkward and clumsy to them. These divers entered the water in the remote area around Darwin Island in the Galapagos, hoping to see hammerheads and whale sharks, along with any other animals. They were surprised and thrilled to be surrounded by a large pod of dolphins that were slowly moving through the area. The playful antics of the dolphins and the inquisitive looks delighted the divers as the pod stayed with them over a minute or two before moving on. The squeaks and squeals of the dolphins communicating can clearly be heard in this video as the dolphins check them out. One of the most intelligent creatures on the planet, dolphins are also one of the most loved. Their faces seem to be set in a permanent smile. For many, a close up encounter with a dolphin is one of their ultimate dreams. These lucky scuba divers were fortunate to actually see these beautiful animals in their natural habitat, on their own terms.

Whale sharks are aptly named because they are the biggest shark species in the ocean. They are the biggest fish, and they are second in size only to a few species of whale, which are all mammals. They are gentle giants that can reach lengths of almost 17m (55 feet) and have been estimated at a weight of up to 45,000kg (100,000lbs). Despite their enormity, they pose no threat to humans and they have no intent or ability to hurt one, unless somebody was foolish enough to swim too close to the gigantic tail. When threatened, they simply outswim their adversary, or dive too deep to be pursued. Their food consists almost exclusively of tiny fish, krill, plankton, and fish eggs. They have no teeth and are incapable of biting a person. Instead, they filter water over large combs, like whales, and then it passes out the gills as the food remains inside the mouth to be swallowed. These scuba divers are studying the whale sharks in the Galapagos Islands. The videographer has followed a large, pregnant female as she casually drifts past on the ocean current. A second female appears to the left, on a collision course with the first. Like a freight train in motion, the whale sharks are much too enormous to stop suddenly. The change in fin position and body position suggests that the first whale shark is slowing as much as possible. The second whale shark passes underneath and arcs up in what appears to be an intentional contact. She then wiggles and seems to enjoy a little back scratch on the underbelly of the first whale shark. This is a very rare sight and the seasoned scuba divers are clearly excited. We can hear underwater shouts and delighted laughter as they exchange shocked looks. The diver with the video camera turns it on himself to record his own wonder and disbelief. He tries to for an "OK" sign with his hand but the fact that he is holding a Covid mask (to be worn in preparation for his return to the dive boat) prevents him from doing so and he tries for "number 1" sign instead. Whale sharks are a wondrous sight to behold, even from a distance, but to be in the presence of one, or even two, when they are almost close enough to touch is a life changing experience.

Brad is a serious scuba diver with a serious love for the ocean and all of the creatures who live in it. You won't want to miss what happens next!

Pelicans are beautiful birds that are found along most of the shoreline in the Galapagos Islands. They are also very regular features at the fish market. They are enormous birds and they are always hungry. They are smart enough to follow the fishing boats and to know when it is time to put on their best sad faces for the benefit of those cleaning their catch. The fishermen here have a soft spot for the wildlife and they are not immune to the pleading eyes and rumbling tummies. Although the local residents have firm policies and laws regarding interfering with nature, they know that the guts and scraps will go to waste if they don't share a little bit. With smooth motions and subtle looks, the fishermen quickly toss the remnants to the waiting birds who seem most in need of a little help. To the casual observer, it might even appear to be a slip of the hand and completely coincidental that the fish flies right to the waiting audience. The tourists who visit the Galapagos Islands quickly fall in love with the beauty, the animals, and even the warm and welcoming people who do their best to share their knowledge and understanding. Visitors gather at this fish market to see an adorable interaction between the people and the creatures that are trying to survive in this harsh environment. Watching a happy pelican receive a treat will always please the crowd!

Abigail lives on the island of Santa Cruz, in the Galapagos. The island has lush green forested areas in the highlands, dry areas on the coast that resemble an arid desert, a thriving town, and wildlife that is diverse and fascinating. One of the most iconic animals in the world, the giant Galapagos Tortoise makes its home here. Loved and well protected by the residents, these tortoises have seen a dramatic increase in numbers since their conservation efforts have been implemented. The tortoises draw thousands of tourists each year, which is important to people living in this remote world. The tortoises also represent a very important part of the overall health of the fragile ecosystem. Galapagos tortoises wander freely on Santa Cruz. There are rehab and captive breeding centers, as well as more protected areas, but the tortoises are free to roam wherever they please, often making long treks to find nesting areas or breeding opportunities. Living as long as 200 years, and possibly longer, these tortoises will lay many eggs in their lifetime. They will also grow to a staggering 225kg (500lbs) with a shell large enough to fill the passenger compartment of a small car. It is always a treat for the residents, or the tourists, to find a tortoise on the move. This giant male had taken a casual stroll down a bike path, making his way from the highlands in the direction of the ocean far below. Solon and his daughter were driving past in their electric car when they spotted the giant beast enjoying a rest and a meal at the side of the pedestrian/bike path. They stopped so that Solon could capture the moment and also so that he could deliver a short nature lesson for Abigail and others who would see his video later. Abigail seems interested enough, but these are animals that she will see frequently as she grows up on this incredible island. She will see sea lions, pelicans, crabs, iguanas and stingrays here regularly as well. These animals that the rest of us will likely only see on nature shows make their home all around her. The people of the Galapagos Islands have a love and respect for the wildlife that is second to none. They maintain their distance and respectfully avoid interfering with any of the animals. They will gently guide or correct any of the tourists who are tempted to bend or break the rules with respect to distance or feeding of the wildlife, knowing that nature does not need any help from mankind. The people of the Galapagos Islands are leaders in environmental responsibility. They have banned single use plastics. They allow only taxis, small motorcycles and electric cars on the island. In this way, pollution is kept to a minimum. They also understand and protect the delicate balance that is important to the native species.

Pelicans are beautiful birds that inhabit most of the tropics, as well as the Galapagos Islands. They are graceful in flight and uniquely adapted to catching fish with their huge beaks and throat pouches. We can't help but be fascinated by them as they fly past along a shoreline, or as they waddle clumsily on land. These pelicans have learned that the fishermen at this cleaning station and market have a soft spot for the hungry wildlife. They are very capable of lining up with pleading eyes to beg for the scraps as the fish are brought right from the ocean to the counter where they are prepared for sale. The fishermen ignore the birds and go about their work with what appears to be indifference, but the birds know better. And if we watch carefully, we see that there will often be a quick sideways toss or a handful dumped in front of the birds. At the start of this video, we see three pelicans engaged in a tugging match over some leftovers that they were given. And we see one of the men tossing some skins and guts at the feet of the crowd of pelicans. They wait with incredible patience for a little generosity and they are always rewarded. We also see one bold pelican taking a stab at the large fish carcass that is carried past him. He admires the fish as it passes right within inches of his beak and he can't help but try to grab a piece before it is gone. But the pelican can't actually eat a meal this large and he seems to easily give up when nothing can be torn off. The pelicans are not the only ones who flock to this market to see what has been caught. Residents will often gather when the boats come in, eager to see what bounty has been harvested by these hard working men. The residents are also happy to line up for a chance to but some of the fresh catch. Being able to take home fish and lobsters that have only been out of the water for an hour or two is a part of life in the Galapagos islands. But perhaps the most enthusiastic group at this market is the tourists who consider this market to be an extremely fascinating place. They come here to take photographs of the fish, the people, and the animals that gather for a handout. The market is frequented by pelicans, herons, iguanas, and crabs, but the most entertaining of all is usually the sea lions. These adorable creatures come and sniff the fish until they are shooed away. They cry and plead and try to snatch what they can, much to the delight and amusement of the tourists. In fact, a trip to Santa Cruz Island is not complete without a visit to the fish market.

The bizarre and freakishly large tortoises of the Galapagos Islands wander freely throughout the brush and forest on Santa Cruz Island and some of the other nearby islands. They are a strange sight, resembling massive army helmets that move slowly and deliberately in their constant quest for grass and other vegetation. They are a common enough sight that when a few of them arrived to graze in a field where a horse and her foal were also grazing, the horses were unconcerned. Happily, the horses munched away within a few feet of the ancient beasts. And the tortoises, that may be as old as 200 years, were also unconcerned with the presence of the other animals. It is an amusing sight to see such vastly different creatures feeding so casually beside each other. The Galapagos Islands are beautiful and fascinating beyond description. Formed due to volcanic eruptions beneath the ocean floor, they are relatively new in the Earth's history. Isolated and remote, they were initially lifeless and barren. But this all changed as plants and animals found their way to the islands and made them their home. Because the islands are so remote, the evolution of the species here has been unaffected by species from other corners of the Earth. The adaptations that were required for survival in this harsh climate have been amplified over time. One of the best examples of this type of adaptation is the giant Galapagos tortoise. Descended from the giant tortoises of Africa, it is believed that they first found their way to the Galapagos Islands on rafts of floating vegetation. These trips would require many months and few species would survive such a journey, but the giant tortoises are able to live up to one year without food or fresh water. Once here, the tortoises found that there was plenty of food during the wet season and a shortage during the dry season. This required them to reach higher with their long necks to find higher foliage that had not been eaten by smaller animals. Survival now depended upon vertical reach and those with larger indentations in their shells could extend their necks farther toward the food. Breeding success came for those tortoises that were better fed, stronger, larger, and the ones that lived longer. And so the cycle continued, forming the chain of events that we now know as "evolution" thanks to Charles Darwin, who was influenced greatly by the animals of the Galapagos Islands. Charles Darwin made his historic visit to these islands aboard the HMS Beagle in the 1830s. It is very possible that these same tortoises were alive when he set foot on their home.

These tour guides in the Galapagos Islands have encountered a tragic situation in the remote waters near San Cristobal Island. They spotted jugs, floats, flags, and other debris floating on the surface. They had been working on the Galapagos Sky, a liveaboard tour operation that helps environmentally responsible adventures discover the wonder and beauty of the Galapagos Islands. They love the ocean, and they love teaching those who come here to connect with nature, all about how to help preserve the fragile balance that exists beneath the waves. Members of the crew left the ship in a small dinghy, or panga, and headed out to collect the debris. They were horrified to find that it was a long line and netting that had been left adrift. More than 15 large sharks and billfish had been caught and were dead or dying. Over several hours, they worked tirelessly to pull in the lines and netting to free the creatures that could be saved. Sadly, only two sharks survived. The use of illegal longlines and nets is increasing in the Galapagos Islands. Many ships from other countries are appearing, in violation of international law and conservation agreements, and the over harvesting of animals is taking a devastating toll on the health of the waters here. Many ships shut off their navigation systems in order to avoid detection by authorities. Officials from other nations claim that they are unaware of the practices and locations of their fishing fleets. The illegal activity goes unpunished when governments pretend to be oblivious. The crew of the Galapagos Sky, and the residents of the Galapagos Islands have a special love of nature. Their respect for the delicate balance is unmatched and they are committed to sustaining the populations of all animals here. To see such abuse is heart breaking for them. These tour guides pulled lines in and cut hooks from the mouths of Galapagos sharks, hammerheads, and billfish, also known as sailfish or marlin. They watched the lifeless bodies of the majestic fish floating and they held back tears as they worked in disbelief. The ocean creatures will not remain if longlines and nets continue to be used. What is equally tragic is that these fish were completely wasted in what appears to be abandoned fishing gear. Ships will often flee without even collecting their catch, in order to avoid detection and enforcement. Abandoned lines can affect animals for months or years if they are not removed from the water. The Galapagos Islands and the surrounding waters are some of the most beautiful and important area of our planet. To allow this devastation and waste to continue here would be beyond tragic.

The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most diverse and fascinating animals on the planet. The giant Galapagos tortoise is one of the most easily recognized of all of them.

Whale sharks are one of the most beautiful and magnificent creatures on the planet. They are the largest shark, and also the largest fish in the ocean. Only a few species of whales are larger. At up to 17m (55 feet) in length, and up to 45,000kg (100,000lbs) whale sharks are a truly enormous and awe-inspiring animal. To be in their presence is simply breath taking. These scuba divers are exploring the waters in the Galapagos Islands where whale sharks come each year. They cruise along with the currents in the waters around the more remote islands here. Scuba divers venture to the Galapagos from all over the world, hoping to catch a brief glimpse of these beautiful creatures. The lucky few will be able to capture a photograph or a video. But these scuba divers were fortunate enough to be in the water right in the path of a large, pregnant female as it swam straight through their group. They move gracefully, but they are not agile, and changing course seems to be something they cannot or will not do. Nearly bumping into one scuba diver, the shark maintains its course. To see a whale shark approaching is often a stunning experience. The first scuba diver that the shark reaches is frozen in place, directly in its path. His dive partner assists by gently pulling upwards on his tank and to lift him up a few feet. It is very important that these animals are not disturbed or stressed by the presence of humans in their world. Contact with whale sharks is to be avoided whenever possible. The scuba diver with the camera has been surrounded by small fish, and they part respectfully and move out of the way, giving our cameraman a sudden view of the majestic shark coming right toward him. He stares in complete awe but keeps the camera pointed at the shark. Unable to move, he remains perfectly still and records the world's largest shark smoothly gliding just inches over his head. The fins pass on either side of his camera and he moves carefully to the side to avoid one of the biggest and most powerful tails in the world. As the shark swims past, the diver is now able to move and he swims up and over the shark to record it from above. He allows it to pass and then he turns the camera to the rest of the scuba divers who are also in complete awe of what they have just seen. This shark is completely unconcerned with the scuba divers and it makes no effort to avoid them. It is believed that they may even have some curiosity about humans, recognizing them as being no threat. Once full grown, a whale shark fears only large Galapagos sharks, which it can easily outswim if needed.

Pelicans are amazing birds that can be found all through the tropics and also the Galapagos Islands. With enormous wingspans, they are impressive flyers, despite their bulky bodies and huge beaks. It is perhaps the unique beak of the pelican that makes it so recognizable. Here we see a few begging for scraps at a local fish market. Smart birds!

Brownie is a wonderful dog who dearly loves his family and he wants to do everything that they do. He follows them around the house and does his best to take part in whatever they are doing. And when it is time for a family singalong between Solon and his daughters, Iris, and Abigail, Brownie even wants to be the lead singer. The family discovered that Brownie likes to howl along with them whenever they sing. Many dogs sing but few pour their heart and soul into a song like Brownie. He throws back his head and gives it his all. He changes pitch and volume to make sure his voice is heard. Brownie is a wonderful companion for Solon and his family. They brought him home as a pup and he has grown to be a loyal and brave family protector. Solon is a devoted father and husband, and also an incredibly hard working man. His job as a scuba instructor and tour guide would take him away from home for extended periods. Whenever he was out at sea, Brownie made sure that nobody got near the house without a thorough inspection. Brownie has a business side to him that always left Solon feeling that his family was well taken care of when he was absent. This beautiful family lives On San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos. Their property has a lot of room for Brownie to explore and he spends his day running free or playing with the children. At night, he gets very comfortable outside their bedroom door. He's a highly intelligent dog who perfectly understands his role in the family and he gets as much love as he gives. Solon has a wonderful bond with Brownie and needs only to utter a request and Brownie happily obeys. To see a dog so much a part of a loving family is heart warming.

The Sally lightfoot crab is one of the most beautiful crabs in the ocean or on the shore. They are vividly coloured and patterned.