Floreana Island
Galapagos sea lions are, without a doubt, one of our visitors’ favorite animal species. These marine mammals are certainly one of a kind. With amusing vocalizations and movements Galapagos sea lions capture quickly not only the attention but also the affection of their observers. Sea lions possess a kind of charisma that is incomparable and very contagious. When young, sea lions are very playful, both in land and in the water. Playing is a distinctive and intrinsic behavior of mammals in general and Galapagos sea lions do it very well. While playing, mammals learn a lot about the environment they inhabit. In addition, playing helps them to socialize with the rest of the group they belong to.
During our snorkeling outing today in the morning, sea lions were the stars. They performed a great show. It is not an easy task to describe how enthralling the experience of swimming with sea lions can be. You have to live it to believe it. When we are immersed in their aquatic domain, it seems like they want to demonstrate to us just how lively they can be. Swift acrobatic movements, twisting contortions, fast approaches just made us laugh hard with a strange combination of amazement and happiness. Some sea lions zip past like fast torpedoes, some stay floating close, very close, and suddenly blow bubbles in our faces. Others just play in small groups nibbling one another about the heads or flippers. Some play tag and try to hide behind rocks or crevices. Reluctantly, after having experienced eternal minutes of fascination and joy, we came back onboard. We left behind the playful Galapagos sea lions, but from here on, they will be with us in heart and spirit forever. The memories of their naïve and beautiful underwater ballet are simply unforgettable!
Galapagos sea lions are, without a doubt, one of our visitors’ favorite animal species. These marine mammals are certainly one of a kind. With amusing vocalizations and movements Galapagos sea lions capture quickly not only the attention but also the affection of their observers. Sea lions possess a kind of charisma that is incomparable and very contagious. When young, sea lions are very playful, both in land and in the water. Playing is a distinctive and intrinsic behavior of mammals in general and Galapagos sea lions do it very well. While playing, mammals learn a lot about the environment they inhabit. In addition, playing helps them to socialize with the rest of the group they belong to.
During our snorkeling outing today in the morning, sea lions were the stars. They performed a great show. It is not an easy task to describe how enthralling the experience of swimming with sea lions can be. You have to live it to believe it. When we are immersed in their aquatic domain, it seems like they want to demonstrate to us just how lively they can be. Swift acrobatic movements, twisting contortions, fast approaches just made us laugh hard with a strange combination of amazement and happiness. Some sea lions zip past like fast torpedoes, some stay floating close, very close, and suddenly blow bubbles in our faces. Others just play in small groups nibbling one another about the heads or flippers. Some play tag and try to hide behind rocks or crevices. Reluctantly, after having experienced eternal minutes of fascination and joy, we came back onboard. We left behind the playful Galapagos sea lions, but from here on, they will be with us in heart and spirit forever. The memories of their naïve and beautiful underwater ballet are simply unforgettable!
