{"id":796,"date":"2021-04-19T12:15:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-19T17:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/millennialroad.com\/?p=796"},"modified":"2021-04-28T12:54:06","modified_gmt":"2021-04-28T17:54:06","slug":"san-cristobal-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/millennialroad.com\/san-cristobal-island\/","title":{"rendered":"Hammerheads and Tortoises at San Crist\u00f3bal Island"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"San
Days 4 and 5 of our 15-day Gal\u00e1pagos Cruise<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

San Crist\u00f3bal Island is not only one of the oldest islands in the Gal\u00e1pagos, but also the first island visited by Charles Darwin, and for good reason. One of only four islands in the archipelago inhabited by humans, there is so much more to this island than its history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we arrived at San Crist\u00f3bal Island on the fourth morning of our Gal\u00e1pagos cruise, I had no idea of the borderline terrifying shark experience that I would have that day. We were scheduled to visit the striking rock formation known as Kicker Rock\u2014which is notorious for hammerhead sharks\u2014but before we get to that, let\u2019s start at the beginning of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Punta Pitt and sleeping sharks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We began our day with a demanding uphill hike at Punta Pitt. The trek was strenuous but worthwhile. <\/em><\/strong>Upon reaching the summit, our hard work was rewarded with lovely, sweeping views overlooking the ocean from the cliffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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By the time we could catch our breath and take in our surroundings, we were face to face with the famous blue-footed boobies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This was our first sighting of blue-footed boobies, and these birds certainly live up to their namesake with the most stunningly beautiful blue feet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"San<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As we continued to hike around the area, we encountered more red-footed boobies, lava lizards, and iguanas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We headed back to our boat, changed up, and almost immediately went for a snorkeling adventure. It began similar to our other snorkels with tons of varieties of beautiful fish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sea turtles and sea lions floated carelessly around us, a sight that will never get old for me. We then saw a lobster, an eel, and a stingray. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"San<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The more we swam, the more wildlife we saw. Before long, we discovered three whitetip reef sharks sleeping under a rock. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"San<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Of course, Nick had to get a closer look at them from a different angle than the rest of the group. I think he may have woken them up because two of the three sharks swam out from their nook and headed towards us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our guide had previously explained that the best thing to do when seeing a shark is to remain calm. So, knowing this, you would think my reaction would be to do just that. Nope. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, I panicked inside and tried to frantically swim away from the shark I felt was coming towards me. I was so focused on my escape that I ended up ramming into another passenger on our boat! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"San<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In reality, the sharks wanted nothing to do with us. Good thing too. Because if it is true that they can smell fear, then that shark was coming for me!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seeing the sharks swim near us was both exhilarating and scary at the same time. The way they glided through the water was actually quite beautiful. If I wasn’t afraid (and painfully slow compared to them in the water), I could watch them swim all day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hammerheads, reef sharks, and more at Kicker Rock <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our next excursion was at a snorkeling spot called Kicker Rock, or Leon Dormido (Sleeping Lion). We had been anticipating this snorkel based on our research before the trip, and we were not disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kicker<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We snorkeled around a massive rock that was covered in some of the most beautiful and colorful coral that I have ever seen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bright colors and unique formations blanketed the rock walls deep into the ocean’s abyss, creating the perfect installation of nature’s artwork. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kicker<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There were countless sea turtles throughout the entire excursion. Once again, these sea turtles floated carelessly alongside us as if we belonged. We also saw several sea lions and many different types of fish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n