Floreana Island
Snorkeling in the Galápagos Islands is truly spectacular. When we were coming back this morning from the snorkeling outing around Champion Islet, one fascinated guest mentioned that today she had an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience. In fact, today we all had one of these memorable connections with the underwater world. When you become part of this world you can imagine being part of a different dimension of existence. Hundreds, literally, hundreds of fish were all around us. At one point, several small fish species were like confetti all over our bodies. Thrilling species, like the white tipped reef sharks caused amazement and commotion. Several individuals were observed swimming freely along a deep ledge. Some fish species are remarkably beautiful, like the brilliantly coloured Giant Hawkfish (Cirrithus rivulatus). This fish is also commonly known as Hieroglyphic Hawkfish. The latter alternative common name is based on the intricate pattern design that covers its body. This cryptic design allows the fish to blend very well with the volcanic rocky background where it perches with the aid of its pectoral fins.
For eternal moments we were oblivious to the rest of the world. We were part of a different one, a watery world whose inhabitants shared their lifestyles and thrilled us. We tremendously enjoyed not only the observation of all the marine creatures we encountered, but we reached an almost spiritual enhancement of our appreciation of the beauty, magnificence and importance of the oceans of our blue planet.
Snorkeling in the Galápagos Islands is truly spectacular. When we were coming back this morning from the snorkeling outing around Champion Islet, one fascinated guest mentioned that today she had an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience. In fact, today we all had one of these memorable connections with the underwater world. When you become part of this world you can imagine being part of a different dimension of existence. Hundreds, literally, hundreds of fish were all around us. At one point, several small fish species were like confetti all over our bodies. Thrilling species, like the white tipped reef sharks caused amazement and commotion. Several individuals were observed swimming freely along a deep ledge. Some fish species are remarkably beautiful, like the brilliantly coloured Giant Hawkfish (Cirrithus rivulatus). This fish is also commonly known as Hieroglyphic Hawkfish. The latter alternative common name is based on the intricate pattern design that covers its body. This cryptic design allows the fish to blend very well with the volcanic rocky background where it perches with the aid of its pectoral fins.
For eternal moments we were oblivious to the rest of the world. We were part of a different one, a watery world whose inhabitants shared their lifestyles and thrilled us. We tremendously enjoyed not only the observation of all the marine creatures we encountered, but we reached an almost spiritual enhancement of our appreciation of the beauty, magnificence and importance of the oceans of our blue planet.
