GalapagosGuys

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.

The Galapagos Islands are home to incredible wildlife. These islands host one of the earth's most diverse ecosystems. The convergence of three powerful ocean currents creates a unique climate and it draws animals from all around the planet. Some thrive here all year round, like the sea lions that inhabit almost all rocky shores and beaches in the Galapagos. Other animals, like the orca are more likely to come and go, depending on mating habits, food supplies, and ocean temperatures. A large, male orca was hunting in the vicinity of this Galapagos dive boat, doing his best to catch sea lions and Pacific green turtles. A very wary and clever sea lion knew that an orca in the area was a dangerous thing. Orcas are among the most powerful and effective hunters in the world. They are the top ocean predator and they fear nothing. The sea lion decided to climb the stairs at the rear of the dive boat before he became lunch. The sea lions in this part of the world coexist with the humans who allow them a respectful distance whenever possible. This young fellow knew he had a much better chance aboard the boat where he was safe from the jaws of the killer whale. The smell of the food cooking on board was probably part of the reason that he decided to stay and accompany the divers along the shore to the next dive site. Sea lions live in colonies and they have territories and well established social groups. It was not fair to the sea lion to take him far from his home beach, so the divers made sure that he got off the boat before they covered enough distance for the sea lion to become lost. As tempting as it would be to touch or pet this adorable sea lion, residents of the Galapagos adhere to the strict laws that prohibit physical contact. They gently remind their guests that there is a hands off policy too. Nature rarely needs help from humans and interfering, even with the best of intentions can have negative effects. But in this case, allowing the seal lion to hitch a ride seemed like the right thing to do.

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.

Sea lions are truly the clowns of the ocean. They are playful and mischievous and they are a delight to watch. But like a puppy with a devilish streak, they can be downright naughty at times. These two sea lions constantly competed for attention from scuba divers and when they didn't receive it, they became jealous of the marine iguanas that held the spotlight. Their behavior was amusing to everyone, except perhaps to the marine iguanas themselves. These scuba divers have ventured to the Galapagos Islands to study and record the animals in their natural habitat. One of the most unique creatures in these remote waters is the marine iguana. They have adapted to life in a hostile environment. When the dry season hits, much of the vegetation becomes dormant and inedible. The marine iguana eats the algae and seaweed that grows in the tidal zone. To make the most of this food source, they have adapted to dive into the ocean and dine on submerged plants. They can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes and dive to depths of 35m (110 feet). Their strong tails serve them well as they swim in strong surge and manage well in the waves. The animals are fascinating to researchers and recreational scuba divers, so it was no wonder that these nature enthusiasts were focused on the iguanas instead of the sea lions. Marine iguanas take their feeding times seriously. They must warm up on the rocks before they enter the cold water. They absorb energy from the sun for digestion and also for mobility in the ocean. They are cold-blooded and their time in the surf is limited as they lose heat rapidly. They will have only one chance each day to eat. But the fun-loving sea lions are not serious at all. They saw the scuba divers slip into the ocean and they eagerly swam out from the shore to engage in some play time. Young sea lions are curious by nature and scuba divers are of great interest. The ocean puppies dive and maneuver with great agility and they purposely swim around the divers, inviting them to take part in their acrobatics. They soon realize that the clumsy humans are paying more attention to the iguanas and they started grabbing the lizards by the tail, bringing them over as if they were a gift, or a toy to be passed around. It is fascinating and also impressive that the sea lions would understand the idea of using the iguanas for their games. This seems to require complex thought and a sense of humor that we often attribute only to humans. It is also very interesting that the sea lions are so gentle with the iguanas. They are obvious in their attempt to grip the tails and spines in a way that does not cause an injury. Suggesting that the marine iguanas also understand the lack of intent to harm them, this one doesn't seem too intent on swimming far away from the sea lion. After losing interest in the iguanas, one sea lion tries a playful grab at the elbow of one diver. Another playfully bites at the underwater camera as if they want the diver to film them instead of the rest of the ocean. Sea lions are much like our own loveable dogs, both in looks and in personality. It is no wonder they were called "sea dogs" by early sailors. They are possibly the most loveable of all the ocean's creatures.

Hammerhead sharks are one of the top predators in the Galapagos Islands. But that changes when a pod of orcas arrives in the area. Orcas, also known as killer whales are transient in these waters. They come and go as they please, carried by the current and by instinct, they travel in and around almost all waters around the globe. They are the ocean's undisputed apex predator, fearing nothing. Orcas are highly intelligent animals, possessing sophisticated communication abilities that allow them to work together to hunt large and powerful prey, such as this unfortunate hammerhead shark. Dive guides near Wolfe Island were leaving their dive boat, making a short trip in their panga (inflatable dinghy) to the nearby dive site. As they neared the shallower water and prepared to get in, they noticed a pod of orcas near the dive site. There was an obvious commotion happening just below the surface. The orcas had captured a hammerhead shark and they were tearing it apart and eating it. Interestingly, the orcas were cooperating with each other and taking turns instead of competing with each other. Orcas live in pods, or families with complex social structures. They spend decades together and the rules in the pod are well adhered to. For these scuba divers, it was a rare opportunity to witness one of nature's most intimidating and impressive animals in action. Although this was unfortunate for the shark, this harsh side of nature is needed to keep the delicate balance of the ocean in check.

Cormorants are aquatic birds that are unbelievably agile in the ocean, feeding primarily on fish. They are extremely capable hunters, able to outmaneuver even the most slippery salema as this bird demonstrates so clearly. Solon is an experienced scuba diver who is exploring the rocks around an island in the Galapagos. Although he has been diving for more than 35 years, working as a scuba dive master, he captured something on film that he has witnessed only a handful of times in the many thousands of dives that he has done. A cormorant appeared over the rocks in front of him, hunting for a meal. The bird ignores Solon and swims so close to him that he could have touched it with his hands. Showing off lightning speed, the cormorant streaks back and forth as it pokes its head into crevices in an attempt to catch something unseen. There is a fish that knows it is being pursued and it is doing its best to find a hiding spot that protects it from the sharp beak of the cormorant. The chase goes back and forth with the bird changing directions at what seems to be an impossible speed. The fish eventually finds itself cornered and the bird spears it with its beak, quickly making its way to the surface where it will swallow the fish whole. Cormorants rarely tear their food. They will pursue only what they can fit down their throat. Solon continues his dive, amazed by what has taken place right in front of him. He captured more footage of the millions of salemas that were like a cloud above them. The food web is complex and animals can be predators one minute and prey the next. It is fascinating to see this in action as one of the species employs such skill to stay alive in what can be a very hostile world.

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.

Solon is a dive guide who has been taking people on underwater adventures for nearly 35 years in the Galapagos Islands. His love of the ocean is obvious to those who follow him beneath the waves. Solon has a deep respect for the animals here, as well as the delicate balance that exists in this mysterious world. Solon has brought a group of divers to Wolf Island. Here, they drop out of the panga, an inflatable boat that brings them close to shore, and then they descend quickly to the rocks below. These islands were formed only a few million years ago when lava spewed from underwater volcanos, creating great pillars and a few islands. The strong currents here bring an abundance of life and a supply of food for larger marine animals. The divers hold onto the rocks in order to avoid being pulled by the currents. Sitting still, they watch in wonder as magnificent creatures drift past them and among them. For more than 30 minutes, they will watch and witness sights that surpass any experience in an Imax theatre. This massive spotted eagle ray is a familiar sight in Galapagos. He has a few distinctive injuries that make him easily recognizable. Solon has been seeing this same ray for more than 7 years. The eagle ray lazily drifts past Solon, as casually as somebody would pass beside a trusted friend. Solon swims behind the ray briefly to capture footage of this gorgeous beast. Soon after settling back into a crevice, Solon receives a visit from a large Pacific green sea turtle. This show continues for the scuba divers as hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and thousands of fish swim past and around them, making every minute in this magical world memorable.

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.

Mola mola are enormous fish that are so bizarre and so strangely formed that people describe them as the fish that evolution forgot. They can reach a staggering weight of 2,000kg (4,400lbs) and a length of almost 3.5m (11 feet). They are the largest bony fish in the world. Whale sharks are larger but they are cartilaginous, not possessing true bones. In the course of evolution, this fish developed to have a small tail that appears to be non existent. It is actually referred to as a pseudo tail. It propels itself through the water by flapping its pectoral and dorsal fins. Descended from puffer fish, this bizarre creature has been called the fish that evolution forgot, or the fish that evolved into a useless form. Its structure is so perplexing that it defies logic in many ways. The teeth of the Mola mola are fused into a beak-like structure that makes it impossible for the fish to close its mouth. It has pharyngeal teeth (teeth in its throat) to assist in feeding. Slow moving, these fish are vulnerable to sharks, orcas, and sea lions, but few other predators can bite through the thick skin of a mature Mola mola. For short distances, these fish can put on a short burst of speed, enabling them to actually leap out of the water. Once thought to eat primarily jellyfish, it is now understood that this makes up only 15% of its diet. Mola mola also consume small fish, fish eggs, and squid. Survival of the species is largely dependent on their ability to produce massive numbers of eggs. The female can produce as many as 300,000,000 eggs which is the greatest number of eggs known to be produced by any vertebrate animal. This is one of the world's most unusual fish in any ways.

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 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 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.

Penguins are usually found in the southern hemisphere, living among the ice on Antarctica. But Galapagos penguins are a unique species that thrive in the cold water currents around the Galapagos Islands. This adorable little penguin was perched on the rocks, taking a break from fishing. Scuba dive tour guides were brining their group back from an underwater adventure when they saw an opportunity for a close look at the penguin. They brought their inflatable boat close to the rocks and imitated the call of the penguin. Amazingly, the little fellow answered back and even hobbled his way down the rocks to get closer for a chat. The climate in the Galapagos Islands is unique, due to the convergence of three strong ocean currents. The Humboldt Current is a cold ocean current that flows into the area, lowering temperatures, and decreasing the salinity of these waters. It brings sardines, anchovies, and jack mackerels to these islands in great quantities. It is the smaller fish that the penguins feed on, allowing them to thrive in a world where they would not otherwise be able to live. Galapagos penguins are among the smallest species of penguins in the world. They are a delight for tourists and an important part of the ecosystem here. This was a heart warming moment for the divers on this boat who were able to see one of the local animals close up.

These scuba divers are meeting one of the ocean's most beautiful and intimidating sharks closer than they ever dared to hope for. The hammerhead shark is a greatly feared and widely respected animal with a reputation that would intimidate even a seasoned scuba diver. They are sleek and efficient killing machines that command respect from anyone who sees one in motion. Yet, they are rarely interested in harming humans. Unprovoked attacks are almost non existent and fatalities due to hammerhead sharks have never been documented anywhere. Their reputation is undeserved, despite their fearsome appearance.

Sea turtles are magnificent animals that capture the hearts of scuba divers and nature lovers. They are gentle, peaceful, and graceful. Usually reclusive and shy, seeing one from a distance is usually all that one could hope for. Occasionally, they will allow a respectful scuba diver to approach for a close look, but the encounters don't usually last long. This curious sea turtle had no problem with these scuba divers swimming along beside him. And when he noticed that one of them had a strange and shiny object in his hands, the turtle went over for a closer look. Then he decided to have a little nibble at the fascinating object. This created a once in a lifetime opportunity for some footage of the inside of the turtle's mouth. After a little chew on the camera, the turtle calmly went off on its way. This footage was captured off Wolf Island in the Galapagos. This area is one of the most unique and diverse areas on the planet. Life here changed approximately 4 million years ago when lava erupted from underwater volcanoes, creating pillars of rocks that jut up from the ocean floor. Some of these pillars created islands and life began to find its way here. Three strong ocean currents converge around these islands, bringing a vast supply of nutrients up from the depths. Fish congregate and attract larger animals. Whale sharks follow the currents here to bear their young. Large schools of hammerhead sharks drift on the currents. These islands are one of the most thrilling places to scuba dive in the world.

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.

Mola mola are reclusive fish that are rarely caught on video. They inhabit colder waters of the Galapagos Islands and other parts of the oceans around the world. They are the largest bony fish in the world, weighing up to a whopping 2300kg (more than 5,000 lbs). They have evolved into one of the ocean's most bizarre fish, with a body shape that prevents them from swimming quickly except for very brief bursts of speed. They move slowly through the water with their mouths open, eating fish, jellyfish, and eggs. It was previously believed that their main diet was jellyfish, but these make up only 15% of the Mola mola's diet. Clumsy fish, they have only the remnants of a tail. They propel themselves forward by flapping their dorsal and anal fin in unison. They have no means of defense from predators except to dive deep to areas that predators are unlikely to follow. The Mola mola produces more than 300,000,000 eggs at once, the most of any known vertebrate. They migrate great distances and can cover 26km (16 miles) in a single day. They sun themselves on the surface, lying flat. This is where they are most often seen. Few scuba divers are lucky enough to encounter these giants swimming freely in the depths. These biologists have found a large Mola mola at what is known as a cleaning station. The larger fish suspend themselves vertically, a signal for smaller fish to come and eat the parasites and dead skin from their bodies. It is very rare to find evidence of a Mola mola engaged in such behaviour. The fish is surprisingly unconcerned with the divers as they make a cautious and respectfully slow approach to capture this amazing event on video. Mola mola are becoming increasingly rare due to previous over harvesting, and entanglement in gill netting used for other fish. We must study these mysterious animals more to understand how to provide conservation efforts that will ensure that we do not lose them forever.

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

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!

Bull sea lions are enormous animals with a head the size of a giant Rottweiler and a set of teeth that is even more impressive. They grow to 2.5m (nearly 9 feet) and can weigh a whopping 400kg (880lb). They are the masters of their colonies, usually having between 12 and 25 cows and they guard them protectively, along with their territory. The males are protective of the young sea lions in their care as well. The bull and the adult females will venture out into the open ocean to hunt for eels, fish and octopus. Once full grown, only a large shark would dare attack a sea lion. But sharks are abundant in the Galapagos Islands and the sea lions are wary of these predators. In a rare glimpse of the confidence of a bull seas lion, we sea this one take a run at a full grown Galapagos Shark, one of the top predators in these waters. Only the orcas that appear here periodically rival the Galapagos shark in terms of dominance in this world. Yet, this sea lion puts the shark in its place with certainty. A scuba diver filming the sea lions could sea the females swimming nearby as they looked for food. The shark ventured to close, obviously stalking one of the females and the bull caught on to the shark's intentions. Quick to the rescue, the bull sea lion went straight for the shark and chased him off. Sea lions are surprising agile underwater and in many cases, they are superior swimmers compared with sharks. A lone shark would be in trouble if it tangled with a determined sea lion this size. The shark decides that the potential meal is not worth the fight and he heeded the message. The scuba diver wisely stayed back as well. The animals in the ocean are all part of a complex web. They may be predators one minute and prey the next and this can change with little warning.

Whale sharks are the biggest species of shark in all the oceans. They are the biggest fish and are one of the largest animals on earth, outsized only by a few whale species. They grow to an enormous 18m (55 feet) and are estimated to weigh as much as 45,000kg (100,000lbs). These biologists have come to the Galapagos Islands to swim among these giants and document there migrations. They study skin patterns and injuries to identify individuals and look for repeated sightings. Recording whale sharks over time and in different locations will provide crucial data that will help conserve the species. This whale shark has a relatively fresh wound on its head that could have come from a collision with a boat, or from a shark bite. It has been healing and the would will not present great difficulties for the whale shark, as long as it can avoid a serious infection. The injuries on the tail are very likely caused by hammerhead or Galapagos Sharks, two of the top predators that patrol these waters in abundance. They bite the fins and tails of the sharks when they are smaller and less able to outswim them. These injuries generally heal and cause no serious issues for the sharks. The Galapagos Islands are unique and fascinating for many reasons. The islands have formed very recently in geological terms, having been created by volcanic eruptions that sent hot lava upward approximately 4 million years ago. The cooling lava formed pillars and islands that provide habitat for birds and land animals, as well as the creatures of the oceans. The collision of three strong ocean currents bring plankton and nutrients upward, attracting smaller fish and ocean animals, which in turn, attract predators. But surprisingly, these whale sharks do not come to these waters to feed. And almost all of the whale sharks seen here are mature, pregnant females. Scientists are only beginning to understand the animals of the ocean. Whale sharks are a mystery in many ways.

Solon is a seasoned scuba diver who lives in the Galapagos Islands. It is here that he works, calling the ocean his "office". With 35 years experience as a dive guide and roughly 15,000 dives under his belt, he is as at home in the water as Aqua Man is. Solon has a dream job, escorting guests on adventures beneath the waves, sharing the awe and wonder of the underwater world. Solon is also a fantastic teacher, sharing his vast knowledge of the reefs and the animals that live there. Solon teaches a respect for the ocean and the complex web of life that we are responsible for protecting. Perched on a rock ledge, Solon was showing his divers the animals near Wolf Island. It's a remote corner of the world where three strong ocean currents come together, supporting a diversity of life that is unlike any other. Hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, whale sharks, and spotted eagle stingrays drift slowly past, curious about the awkward humans who visit and observe them. In 30 seconds, Solon records two spotted eagle stingrays that approached him curiously, a majestic sea turtle, coronet fish and a Galapagos shark. His respectful approach allows Solon a close look at the marine life and they regard him with curiosity. For nearly eight years, Solon has been seeing this eagle ray with the abnormally developed wingtip. It often swims straight to him out of the blue, circles in front of him, or regards him closely before moving on. The eagle ray seems to recognize him and can distinguish Solon from other divers. The sights and experiences in the Galapagos Islands are unique and unparalleled. Even for Solon, seeing eagle rays, sharks, sea turtles, and fish all at once was a wonder to behold.

The Galapagos bullhead shark is a small bottom-dwelling shark that inhabits the Galapagos Islands waters. It was discovered 175 years ago, but almost nothing has been learned about the shark since its initial discovery. Researchers have not completed any meaningful studies on this fish. They do not know how many there are, where they breed, how they interact, or which habitats they prefer. So little is known about these sharks that they are listed as "data deficient." It is believed that the sharks have been in existence since the early Jurassic period. They grow to 107cm (3.5ft). Recently, a project was undertaken in the Galapagos Islands to learn more about this mysterious animal. In Spanish, it is called " Thiburon Gato de Galapagos" which translates to Cat Shark of the Galapagos. They prefer to lie on the sandy bottom, being poor swimmers in comparison with other sharks. IT has recently been learned that they are nocturnal feeders, foraging for crabs and shellfish on the sea bottom. After eating prey with hard shells, this small shark regurgitates the undigestible shells. The more we learn about the ocean and the marine animals who live there, the more we understand that there is more needing to be learned than we ever imagined.

Spotted eagle rays are one of the most beautiful of all the stingrays. Their gorgeous markings make them a joy to encounter below the surface. These scuba divers are perched on the rocks in the Galapagos Islands, watching one of the most incredible shows that nature has to offer. They see schools of hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and massive whale sharks cruising along in the current right in front of them. and, as if that were not enough, they also see spotted eagle stingrays that cruise majestically over them and around them as they hunt for food.