Galapagos Islands - Santa Cruz 1st Day

Today we took the plane punctually at 8:50 AM to the Galapagos. But before we were allowed to board the plane, our luggage had to undergo a security check regarding food, plastic bags, etc. We also had to answer questions at the airport in Guayaquil about why and with whom we were flying to the Galapagos. It was quite a hassle, to be honest. Anyway, as I said, we took off on time and just before landing, there was an announcement that two cabin crew members would go through the plane and disinfect the hand luggage. They sprayed each overhead compartment with a spray. If necessary, why not, it definitely didn't smell bad.

Then came the immigration on the Galapagos, same procedure. Why, how, and where do you live, etc. But everyone was very friendly. Then we wanted to go to the baggage claim. Well, there wasn't one, but a larger hall with 3 roller doors. They were opened and the suitcases were placed on a corresponding shelf. No one was allowed near their suitcase, because now came MY absolute highlight. A sniffer dog was now set on the suitcases, he jumped onto the shelf and sniffed each suitcase. It looked really amazing. Luckily, he didn't find anything.

After visiting the turtles, we were taken to the hotel. We immediately got ready for the beach. We had packed the snorkeling gear, of course.

First, we walked down to the port and suddenly a seal started crawling towards us. That was incredible and Daniela said, look down from the pier! Hmmmm, sharks in the water. Yes, there were actually lots of sharks swimming. I was completely amazed and just said, this can't be true. The wildlife here in the Galapagos is an absolute dream. I have no idea where to look first. You keep discovering different birds or lizards, and it's honestly amazing to see sharks in the wild :-)!

Excited, we then walked to the beach area where you can also snorkel. In no time, we were in the water and suddenly a giant turtle swam next to me. Wow, I swallowed some water as I was so excited. But then I calmed down again and we swam with the turtle for quite a while. Along the way, she kept feeding, which also looked great. Then Daniela pointed at a shark!!!!!!!!!!!! I almost bit off the end of my snorkel, I was so excited. That was incredible. A 2-meter shark was swimming there calmly and we followed it. Me, Anke - the biggest scaredy-cat when it comes to sharks - swimming after a shark, unbelievable but true. It was gigantic and suddenly it was gone. I'll be honest, when you don't know where it's going, it feels strange. I also looked back several times, just to make sure it didn't want to take a bite out of me.

After this fantastic snorkeling trip, we dried off in the sun. Of course, the turtle and the shark were the top topics for us. All I can say is, I am so fascinated by the Galapagos and what we have already experienced today is unbelievable :-)!

In the evening, we started back towards the hotel and along the way, we saw lots of seals, crabs, lizards, pelicans, etc. Then Daniela made a detour to the diving school. She will have a diving day tomorrow and I have signed up for a full-day tour - surprise -! I'm curious where we're going! They definitely told me to bring snorkeling equipment, yay.

So take care and all I can say is, we are having an amazing time here on the Galapagos. We will enjoy every day, greetings Anke and Daniela!