GalapagosGuys

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.

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.

Whale sharks are gentle giants that inhabit all warmer oceans around the Earth. They are enormous creatures that inspire awe and wonder, yet we know very little about them. As recently as 2015, scientists have made an effort to change this by attaching satellite tracking devices on the dorsal fins of whale sharks to learn more about them. Scientists and conservationists can now understand their movements and habits, as well as their longevity. It is now clear that these giants travel thousands of kilometers each year to go from feeding to breeding grounds. Powerful swimmers, they are able to maintain a substantial pace for long periods of time. The Galapagos Islands exist in an area of the ocean where three strong currents converge, creating a unique upwelling that brings nutrients and food to the surface from deep below. This attracts smaller fish which attract larger fish, including several species of sharks. The islands here newborns in geological terms, having formed approximately 4 million years ago due to volcanic eruptions that spewed lava upwards from the sea bed. Lava cooled into pillars of rock that jutted out of the ocean, forming what we now know as the Galapagos Islands. Life here is also relatively new, arriving by water, air, or on rafts of vegetation.

Hammerhead sharks are one of the top predators in the Galapagos Islands. Large and powerful, they swim where they please, with little to fear. They eat fish, octopus, sea lions, and stingrays. A large part of their diet is made up of stingrays. The shark's head is designed to help them capture prey such as stingrays on the seabed. These divers have positioned themselves on a rock ledge to get a look at schooling hammerheads as they pass by on the current near Wolf Island in a very remote and beautiful part of the ocean. The sharks congregate hear in great numbers, feeding on the abundant fish and rays in this area. To watch these apex predators patrolling within a few metres is an exhilarating experience. But the scuba divers here are witnessing something that is quite rare. A spotted eagle stingray has managed to swim through the mass of sharks without being eaten. The spotted eagle ray heads directly for the scuba divers and swims among them, possibly to gain protection from the sharks that are gathered in the deeper water just beyond where the divers are perched. It's very possible that the stingray understands that the sharks will not want to come within arm's reach of the humans. Another possibility is that the stingray is very curious about the diver with the camera. Solon is a seasoned scuba guide and dive master and he has completed well over 15,000 dives in these waters. The stingray that we see here has unique injuries on its left wing that make it recognizable as one that Solon has been seeing near this site for at least 8 years. The stingray seems to recognize Solon and it often makes a beeline for him, seemingly less interested in the other divers that accompany Solon. Intelligent and curious, these animals possess impressive intellect and understanding. It is possible that the stingray can distinguish one diver from another. Solon also has a relaxed and calm presence that might be obvious to the stingray. Whatever the reason for this close pass near Solon, the experience of seeing such a beautiful creature looking into your eyes is a beautiful and unforgettable one. Moments like these make scuba diving one of the most fascinating and thrilling sports in the world.

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!

Hammerhead sharks are large and powerful animals that strike fear in the hearts of many. They are formidable hunters with rows of razor sharp teeth. Sleek and graceful in the water, they are beautiful and deadly at the same time. Yet, surprisingly, there have been only 17 unprovoked attacks by hammerheads on humans in the past 500 years. Not a single encounter was fatal. But it is undeniable that people perceive these sharks as being vicious, blood-thirsty beasts. Myths surrounding these animals and their aggressiveness are persistent and wide spread. In truth, they are no danger to humans when treated respectfully. This video shows the moment when Solon, an experienced scuba dive guide finds himself in the path of a school of ten foot hammerheads, drifting on the current near Wolf Island in the Galapagos. Solon has been diving in these waters for nearly 35 years, escorting the most adventurous scuba divers through wild and stunningly beautiful areas of the ocean. Formed as recently as 4 million years ago, these islands are home to some of nature's most unique and magnificent creatures. Three strong ocean currents collide here to create the ideal conditions that allow incredible diversity and abundance of life to thrive. It is one of the most remote areas on the planet, and for Solon, it is almost like his second home. He is as comfortable here under the waves as most people are in their home or office. Solon has an impressive understanding of and respect for the ocean and the animals that live here. He knows that if he keeps his movements slow and if he stays among the rocks on the bottom, the sharks will regard him with only mild curiosity. His bubbles rise up and give away his position, allowing the sharks to see him from a great distance. The sharks also feel the vibrations created by even the most subtle fin kick, and they are aware of his respiration and heart rate. They sense that Solon is calm and unafraid. And they know that he poses no threat to them as they swim around and past him. Humans are clumsy guests in this underwater domain. In comparison with these hammerhead sharks, we are slow and awkward. To have them allow us to share this space is a privilege not to be taken lightly. Solon can be found through Float N' Flag Dive Centre in Ontario, Canada.

This rare footage of an albino shark was captured off Wolf Island in the Galapagos. These sharks are almost never seen and even more rarely caught on video. Close inspection shows that the shark actually has some areas that may be skin pigmentation, which would make the shark leucistic as opposed to a true albino. Sharks with this condition are almost unheard of. One was caught off the coast in the United Kingdom in 2018 and it was believed to be the first one ever caught. After a few pictures, it was released into the ocean again. This shark appears to be a Galapagos shark. There is no known record of an albino or leucistic Galapagos shark ever being spotted. Solon Intriago is a world renowned scuba dive guide who has been leading underwater expeditions here for nearly 35 years. He has a deep love for the ocean and a respect for the creatures who call this magical world their home. This respect is passed on to Solon's clients as he shows them astounding sights and teaches them about the ocean and how to protect it from harm. Solon has a way with people and with animals and it is not uncommon to see the creatures here coming to curiously inspect Solon, almost as if they are greeting an old friend. He captures close up footage of the ocean's most beautiful and elusive creatures. It is no doubt his slow and respectful approach to scuba diving that tempts the animals closer to him to have a look. Solon can be found through Float N' Flag Dive Centre in Ontario. A trip with Solon is likely to be an unforgettable experience. And a trip to the Galapagos will be equally unforgettable.

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.

The Pacific seahorse, also known as the giant seahorse, is the largest species of seahorse. Their name (Hippocampus) comes from the Greek word hippos, which means "horse" and campus, which means "sea monster. This is the only seahorse species found in the eastern Pacific Ocean. These seahorses can reach 30cm (12 in) in height. Pacific seahorses can be a variety of colors, including green, brown, maroon, grey, and yellow. Males can be distinguished from females by their prominent keel.[6] Pacific seahorses, like other seahorses, have a prehensile tail used for anchoring. Unlike most fish, they have skin instead of scales, a digestive tract without a distinct stomach, no teeth, and the ability to move each eye independently. They are under the great threat due to unsustainable levels of harvest and international trade. South America, in particular Peru, is the home of the most illegal trade of Pacific seahorses. Females seahorses deposit their eggs in the brood pouch of the male, where they are fertilized by the male and sealed into the pouch. Pacific seahorse males can brood up to 2000 eggs at once, and may brood multiple times in a breeding season. At the end of the fourteen day gestation period, the male goes into labor and must force the young out of the pouch one at a time, which sometimes takes hours. Habitat loss and destruction pose a threat to Pacific seahorses as humans destroy and pollute their habitats. Commercial fishing also poses as threat to Pacific seahorses. Fisherman often catch and kill them in their nets. Chinese medicine is one of the main risks to the Pacific seahorse. They are one of the most vulnerable fish populations in the world. Pacific seahorses account for the majority of species identified in Chinese medicinal markets around the world. Giant Pacific seahorses eat small organisms that live on the bottom of the sea such as small crustaceans and plankton. Like most seahorses, Pacific seahorses ambush their prey. They camouflage in their habitats and wait for their prey to pass. They then suck their prey in and swallow it whole. They have no teeth to chew.

Mola Mola are unique in several ways, including in their freakish appearance. Descended from porcupine fish, they have evolved into immense animals that appear to be a floating head with enlarged fins. They swim slowly with their mouths open. In fact, they are unable to close them at all. They are also incapable of quick propulsion. Primitive in their design, they have no means of defence except to dive deep to escape predators. They feed on squid, small fish, eggs and larvae, and even jellyfish. They move at a ridiculously slow speed, except in short bursts. They also lie flat on the surface of the water to sun themselves. They are a truly strange fish that is baffling to naturalists and biologists. There is a lot that scientists don't yet understand about these giants of the deep. Known to lay the most eggs of any vertebrate in the world, they can produce up to 300,000,000 at a time. They are the world's largest bony fish, reaching an incredible 2200kg (4700lbs). At full size, they have few predators, but they are vulnerable to almost any shark, orca or sea lion when they are growing. These fish often suspend themselves in an upright position to take advantage of cleaning stations, or areas where smaller wrasses rid larger animals of parasites on their bodies and around their mouths. Although they generally very shy and reclusive, they will sometimes allow a slow and cautious diver to approach them. The scuba diver with the camera is experiencing something very rare as the giant fish swims past him so close that it almost bumped him. Possibly curious, it seemed to inspect him closely as it went past.

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.

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.

The Galapagos Islands are home to an incredible diversity and abundance of marine life. Three ocean currents converge here to form a unique phenomenon that causes an upwelling that brings nutrients and food up from the depths. Bait fish congregate in vast numbers and the larger predators arrive soon after. Hammerhead sharks swim here in massive schools that stretch as fas as the eye can see. By day, they drift lazily on the current as they rest one hemisphere of their brain. Not truly sleeping, they react to danger or to other stimuli, but they are relaxed and calm. By night, they are ferocious hunters that have little to fear. Solitary in their quest for food, they rely on keen senses and powerful jaws to locate and overcome prey. They are one of the apex predators in these waters. This scuba diver knows that he will be in no danger if he acts respectfully and does not give the sharks reason to become defensive or aggressive. They will regard him with curiosity, or even with indifference, but swimming out into the open among them would be taking this for granted. Instead, he remains on the rocks, watching one of nature's most magnificent shows. Better than an episode of Discovery Channel, or an Imax movie, this breathtaking scene unfolds before his very eyes. He would be unable to count the sharks as they pass within a few meters of his perch on the ledge. This wall of hammerheads numbers in the thousands. Humans are guests in this mysterious underwater domain. They are well advised to keep this in mind at all times.

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. Occasionally, scientists have the rare opportunity to gently place a satellite tracker on the dorsal fins of one of these giants. 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. Where they bear their young is still very much unknown. Scientists are only beginning to understand the animals of the ocean. Whale sharks are a mystery in many ways.

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.

Hammerhead sharks are one of the primary predators of stingrays, such as these beautiful spotted eagle rays that live in the Galapagos Islands. The rays should do anything they can to avoid these huge predators, but instead, these bold eagle rays calmly swim straight through a school of endless sharks drifting on the current. They are literally swimming through a gauntlet of carnivores as if they are unafraid. The hammerheads do more than just leave them alone. Some of the sharks actually change direction slightly as if they are intentionally avoiding them. This video was taken at Wolf Island in the Galapagos. The hammerheads congregate here due to the convergence of three strong ocean currents that bring an abundance of plankton and food up from the ocean bottom. This, in turn, brings small fish and larger predators that prey on those fish. The oceans around the Galapagos are alive with some of the most plentiful and diverse life on the planet. This particular spotted eagle ray is easily distinguished by his curled wing and other injuries. The scuba diver with the camera is Solon, a dive master who has been guiding clients in these waters for over 35 years and he has captured video of this stingray since before 2015. When he dives this site, the stingray often appears and it seems to approach him with curiosity, much like a trusted friend. Solon has captured spectacular video of this ray circling him or simply hovering on the current right beside him. In this video, the stingray appears from out of the blue and makes a direct line towards him. It seems to be more than a coincidence that it swims right in front of him and circles slowly before drifting off into the blue. Solon has a true love for the ocean and for all of the creatures who live there. He is happier in this magical world than anywhere else and his love and respect is contagious. Solon can be found through Float N' Flag Dive Centre in Ontario for those who want to experience some of the best diving the world has to offer.

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.

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!

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.

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.

For most scuba divers, a close-up encounter with a stingray is a memorable experience. To look into the eyes of such majestic and beautiful creatures can stir the soul. These scuba divers are slowly making their way to the surface after a beautiful dive near Wolf Island in the the Galapagos. They have been watching hammerhead sharks drifting past on the ocean currents. As they near the surface, an incredible spotted eagle ray drifted closely past Solon, the Dive guide on this adventure. Stingrays are highly intelligent creatures and although they are generally shy and reclusive, they have a curious nature, and they will often swim closely past a scuba diver who is acting in a respectful manner. Solon had the privilege of being closely investigated by this beautiful animal. He has seen this particular stingray, recognizable by distinctive markings and old injuries, on dives in this area for more than seven years. From its reaction, it seems as if the stingray has become very comfortable with him in particular. As the divers drew closer to the boat, a magnificent Manta ray glided past them, also interested in these clumsy humans. These are the giants of the deep, often boasting wingspans of up to 7m (23 feet). The divers who had already passed their gear to the boat above, remained in the water so that they could enjoy this visit with the manta ray. At the same time, a school of mobula came through and they repeatedly swam around the divers for a close inspection as well. To have such a beautiful experience on a single dive with three different species of stingray is remarkable. Solon is a highly experienced scuba dive guide, having taken people on adventures beneath the waves for nearly 35 years. He has a talent for finding opportunities to closely observe the oceans beautiful animals in their own environment. He teaches other divers how to act in a non threatening manner, increasing the opportunities for interactions on the animals' own terms. Solon's love for the ocean, and all of the creatures that live there is contagious. Solon can be found through Float N’ Flag Dive Centre in Ontario.

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.

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.

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.