02/06/2019 – San Cristobel, Galapagos, Ecuador

We got up and had breakfast, the boat was anchored in the North of San Cristobel. We got our stuff together and then got into the dinghies for a little ride around the rocks, and to explore the landscape. We got taken into some of the caves, and even spotted a turtle in the water.

Swimming turtel at the opening of the cave.

Then we did a wet landing onto the beach. It was gorgeous, white sand, turquoise water, black lava rock, one of the most beautiful beaches Josh and I have ever been on! We had a walk and saw a puppy sea lion, about 2 months old, playing around in the shallows. They are so elegant and agile in the water!

Baby sealion playing in the shallows.

We also spotted a huge large marine iguana which stayed as still as a statue whilst we all took its photo.

Marine iguana.

We watched the birds diving into the sea, fishing. Then we all went for a little dip in the sea ourselves before getting the dinghies to go back to the boat. The dinghies have been having real technical difficulties the last few days and sure enough a wave came over the front and drowned the battery (this dinghy had been bought only yesterday to replace another that had kept breaking down.) We ended up being towed by the dinghy of a neighbouring yacht! Then it was snack time of course (delicious BBQ chicken wings amongst other stuff!) and I sunbathed on the top deck whilst writing some of this diary. Our guide James also gave us a little tour of the captains quarters and showed us how they navigate the boat across the water. We then had lunch – calamari and chicken in a satay sauce, whilst the boat moved further South. We arrived at our next spot and got our snorkel stuff together, hopped on the dinghies and got dropped off next to a small island full of sea lions. We swam next to the shoreline until suddenly there was a brown whiskered face at arms length away from me in the water. I screamed, it took me by surprise! Before we knew it we had groups of sealions, from a couple of months old up to a huge big bull, the dominant male of the pack, playing in the water with us. They were so playful, it was so much fun, and definitely a highlight for both Josh and I. I can’t believe how close they get to us humans! We had been told that as long as we don’t step on land, which is when the sealions get territorial, we would be ok. I wasn’t taking any chances with the bull though, when he came into the water most of us tried to stay a bit further away! Later in the day James (our guide) saw the bull on land and said he would never swim with one that size, which we were cracking up about! Just before we got back into the dinghy Josh spotted a white tip reef shark, a great way to end the last snorkel. A bit chilly we went back on board and showered before we then went ashore to have a wander around, and have a final look at the frigates, blue footed boobies, pelicans and sea lions.

Back aboard we got freshened up for dinner. We all got served a glass of fizz to raise to the crew members who had dressed up in their smart white sailor outfits, and said our thank yous and goodbyes. Then we had the last supper – lobster! The other guests were laughing that Josh and I were on a backpacking trip and eating lobster on a cruise ship! What a way to travel eh! We had a few drinks together and Harold, one of the guests, showed us some of his pictures on the tv in the lounge area. As Josh went up to settle our bill, Phil, an Australian guest we had got on particularly well with, put $30 into Joshs hand and said it was a ‘forward payment’ and explained that sometimes, at random moments he likes to help people out, for example buy a strangers coffee, and carry out little acts of kindness. Later, when I found out about this and thanked him, we agreed Josh and I will do this for someone else in the future, when we are back at work and earning. Josh and I are both so touched, what a kind thing to do, a little reminder that good definitely does outweigh bad! By ten we were all tucked up in bed, being gently rocked to sleep by the lapping waves of the bay we had anchored in.

Where we have breakfast, lunch and dinner.