Amazing series ‘My family and the Galapagos’ on our screens at the moment.
The first one featured Kicker Rock, just off San Cristobal where I was based as a conservation volunteer. I had the privilege of diving this incredible site several times during my placement. Sharks, turtles, rays, seals, fish galore – breath taking.
I was based on San Cristobal, the island south of the capital Santa Cruz. Most visitors to the Galapagos stay on cruise ships, so it’s a real privilege to have accommodation on land. San Cristobal has a port, where the few restaurants, shops, panaderia, salsa bars and dive shop are. Our placement was on the other side of the island, about 40min truck ride away. At the weekends we’d go to port, and sit at one of the bars and stare at this gorgeous view. Kicker Rock was about a 20min ride by speed boat out of the port, but it became a stunning, iconic view.
Once I found the dive shop, my volunteer pals were dragged round every dive site we could get to in the time. Only one other volunteer had a diving license, so we became buddies. Our first dive day started with Kicker Rock; the boat dropped us on the far side of the rock, the view you see here, and we drifted through the corridor between the rocks. Because it’s sheltered in there, lots of sea creatures were taking a rest, it was magically, wonderfully calm and beautiful.
And cold!
Generally speaking I’m a fair weather diver! Warm places only. I’ve done very little diving in a full wetsuit. They’re not easy to get in and out of! I tried to get the divemaster to let me go in my shorty, but I’m so glad he refused. Due to the converging tides, one of the fabulous natural phenomena that make the Galapagos so unique, the water is free-zing! Absolutely, completely worth it though. An experience I will never forget!
#galapagosislands #kickerrock #conservation #savetheworld #inspiration #singersongwriter #greenglobe #nomoreplastic #mermaidlife #keeptheoceanclean #travel #scuba #diving #sancristobal
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