GalapagosGuys

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

Darwin's Arch was one of the most famous and cherished natural formations in the world. Designated a world heritage sight, the arch was popular among tourists and nature enthusiasts. Cruise ships would pass by and allow photography and scuba divers from around the world ventured here to see the iconic structure. Named for Charles Darwin who studied this area in the 1800s and developed his theory of natural selection (evolution) based on his research, the arch was an important tribute to his contribution to our understanding of the world, and even ourselves. The nearby Darwin Island and the unique underwater structure beneath the arch formed what is referred to as "The Theatre". People are forbidden from setting foot on the island or the arch platform for safety and conservation reasons. But scuba divers who come here can perch on the rocks at a depth of approximately 23m (70 feet) to see an incredible assortment of marine life. Hammerhead sharks, Galapagos Sharks, spotted eagle rays and whale sharks drift past The Theatre on the ocean current, providing a breath taking close view of some of the ocean's most magnificent animals. This has been referred top as the world's biggest Imax theatre. The convergence of three major ocean currents creates a unique climate and habitat, bringing an abundance of life and diversity. Scientists are not sure why, but almost all of the whale sharks here are mature, pregnant females. It is believed that they come here from all areas of the planet to bear their young. Surprisingly little is known about this or about what happens in the first few years of a whale shark's life. In May 2021, Darwin's Arch collapsed due to erosion. Scuba divers and nature lovers were devastated at the loss of such a beautiful formation. In a fitting tribute, this structure is now known as Pillars of Evolution. Because this area is protected so vigorously, drone footage, and particularly a drone flythrough is incredibly rare. This footage shows Darwin's Arch in all of its glory before the collapse. It is a spectacular view that can never be recreated.

Peacock flounders are beautiful fish that use their color-change abilities to mimic their surroundings to hide from predators. They can become blue, green, grey, beige, and other colors. They can change their patterns as well in order to match the surface that is beneath them. Flounders can change their color and markings in seconds, even well enough to match a checkerboard pattern. They lie flat on the bottom in order to disguise themselves, and also to ambush their prey. A unique feature of flounders is that they begin life in a vertical position with their flattened bodies resembling most other fish. They have a eye on each side of their head and a mouth that opens and closes vertically, as with other fish. But, as they mature, one of the flounder's eyes migrate from one side to the other, causing them to swim flat, instead of vertically. The eye that migrates is different, depending on the species. In the case of the peacock flounder, the right eye migrates to the left side. As an adult, the flounder is able to look forward with one eye and backward with the other, simultaneously. The eyes are raised like short stumps, allowing the flounder to bury itself in sand for even better camouflage. The eyes protrude slightly, allowing the flounder to see its surroundings while it hides. Peacock flounders can reach a maximum length of 45cm (1.5 feet) and can be found in depths up to 150m, although they prefer shallower areas with a sandy or rocky bottom. The Peacock flounder releases two to three million eggs which are fertilized by the males. The eggs float near the surface until they are ready to hatch. They sink to the bottom as they hatch. The juvenile flounders float in the open ocean, with their eyes beginning to migrate as they mature. The color matching process of the flounder is not well understood but we know that it relies on vision and hormones. If the flounder suffers damage to one eye, it's ability to color change is adversely affected. Flounders are fascinating and beautiful fish and a welcome sight for scuba divers.

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

Scuba divers in the Galapagos Islands can expect to see almost anything, including many species of large sharks. The waters are full of hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, whitetips, and silky sharks. The sights underwater are beautiful beyond description. But the animals can be intimidating as well. The animals here are mostly predators and they are well adapted for the struggles for survival. Humans are clumsy guests in this domain and there would be little a scuba diver could do to repel a determined shark. The sight of these whitetips coming to investigate made the divers' hearts beat a little faster. There is a thrill in seeing such a powerful animal coming close to inspect you. Although it feels like, or appears like these sharks posed a threat to the divers in the video, there very few documents cases of injury from sharks, and even less incidents where a death was caused. In almost all of those cases, the attacks have been the unfortunate consequence of irresponsible behaviour by the humans. As people continue to feed sharks and try to interact with them, some misunderstandings are inevitable. But sharks are rarely intentionally aggressive toward humans. Sharks are also crucial to the health of the reefs and oceans around the world. If they ceased to exist, there would be a collapse of the delicate balance in this undersea world, and it would have direct consequences on the entire planet.

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

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.

Frigatebirds are amazing creatures that have the largest wings in relation to body weight of any bird. They are capable fliers. having the ability to stay in the air for weeks, drifting on the air currents in search of an opportunity to seize food. They feed on fish and squid that are chased to the surface by large predators such as tuna. They will chase smaller birds to steal their catch, earning them the nickname "pirates of the skies".. Male frigates have enormous gular pouches that they inflate to attract females. This hopeful male is displaying his flame red pouch for a nearby female. If successful, he will win the right to mate with her. They will nest in low trees on deserted islands. With only one egg per nesting pair, the parents will provide care and food for their young. They are devoted parents, looking after their young for the longest period of any bird species. Frigates will produce an egg only every second year. Frigates are known to venture far out to sea for food, often as far as 500km from land. Tuna fishermen have learned to follow frigates in their search for a source of tuna to catch. The frigates congregate on the surface where a school of tuna are hunting. Frigates are among the few seabirds that drink fresh water. They fly low and scoop the water while they are in flight, avoiding the need to land.

Bait balls are enormous schools of fish that gather to avoid predators from eating them. By sticking together, it is difficult for larger fish and sea lions to single them out and catch them. They change direction rapidly, confusing their pursuers. Bait balls are beautiful to watch and scuba divers are drawn to them with fascination and wonder. These are salemas that inhabit the waters of the Galapagos Islands. They are a major food source for larger marine life, but they are not edible by humans. They contain a substance that causes hallucinations, excessive heart rate, and other health problems. These scuba divers followed two large sea turtles through the bait ball and the sight from within was even more beautiful than from the outside. To see the turtles swim through their midst was breath taking. The Galapagos islands are home to a multitude of unique and beautiful animals. The convergence of three strong ocean currents creates an upwelling of food and nutrients from the ocean depths that bring smaller fish here in great numbers. This brings sharks, sea lions, and other predators. For a scuba diver, this is a wonderland and every trip beneath the waves is a new adventure.

Manta rays are among the most graceful and beautiful animals in the ocean. Growing to an enormous size, they can have wingspans greater than 7m (21 feet). Although they cannot sting and they are completely harmless to humans, their incredible size is intimidating and many people are struck with awe, and even apprehension when they cruise past closely. To see one face to face at such a close distance is a rare and memorable sight. These scuba divers are exploring the shallows in Indonesia, hoping to see fish, turtles, and even mantas. They consider themselves extremely lucky to have two giant mantas swim casually past. One of them unrolls its cephalic fins, preparing to feed. It is completely unconcerned with the humans that are almost directly in its path. Highly intelligent, these animals are curious and it it possible that the manta actually wanted to have a close look as it passed. A fully grown manta fears very little. Large sharks and orcas are the only animals in the ocean that can prey on them. Rapid swimmers, and highly maneuverable, mantas will flee from predators in an effort to avoid them. They are powerful enough to outswim most sharks and they are capable of rapidly diving deep enough to find safety. For most scuba divers, an experience such as this one is a bucket list item and a breath takingly beautiful experience.