Words just cannot describe how incredible the this experience was for us on the Deep Blue liveaboard in the Galapagos Islands (dates August 20-29, 2006). It was the most incredible dive trip and I have Ken of Galapagos Adventures and the Deep Blue to thank for it. I'll start with the diving. It was beyond my greatest expectations and I still can't believe all of the things we saw and experienced. It was like being in a great National Geographic documentary with me as the "star." We saw hundred of sharks - hammerheads, galapagos, silkies. At first they were a shock to see, but after seeing a few hundred of them, they seem to just "blend" in as part of the ocean life. The hope was to see the whale shark. That was the reason behind the trip in the first place. Well, we were blessed! When the currents got better at Darwin, we went out on the blue and towards the end of the dive saw our first one. It was just incredible, powerful, magical and peaceful at the same time. We saw over 20 more in the next few days. We were definitely whale shark spoiled. In total, there were about 30 sightings. It was amazing how close we could get to them and how massive and gentle they were. Although they seemed to be slowing swimming along, I was kicking my fins harder than ever to keep up with them. Diving became a great workout with so many whale sharks to see. I have always loved eagle rays and they were large and plentiful. We also say a school of golden rays and bat rays. There were dolphins everywhere! What a life they have playing in the currents all day long. Several times they would approach us during a dive, but I did have the most incredible dolphin experience during my safety stop. 30-40 dolphins started swimming all around me - close - up and down, around, looking at me, swimming circles around me, even talking to me. This went on for minutes and I couldn't believe it. It was like they were socializing with just me - it was the most incredible experience. This also happened with the Galapagos penguins. At the end of a dive I saw what looked like large birds in the water and they turned out to be penguins. They immediately swam over and were swimming and diving all around me, swimming right up to my mask. They were so cute and amazingly fast. I had lots of sea lion encounters during the dives and we were able to snorkel with a group of about 30 of them. They were so playful and fun and seemed to make fun of us in the water showing off their incredible swimming and acrobatic skills. The fish quantity and variety was incredible. There was just fish everywhere, huge, small, very small, massive schools that never seemed to end and even the "only a mother could love" red lipped bat fish. It just never stopped - the great sightings, experiences and life. We had one dive briefing on the front deck and Antonio, our awesome guide told us that if we are "extremely lucky" we may see a Mola Mola on this dive. As he said that three Mola Mola's swam in front of the boat and someone said, "isn't that them out there?" We all just couldn't believe it, but that was just how the trip was going - of course we would see the Mola Mola - we saw it all. During that dive I saw 6 Mola Molas and got close enough to see their big lurking eye. It was amazing how fast they can actually swim with just those two side fins. And there more - the birds, bobbies, marine iguanas, etc., but I do want to get to the crew and service of the Deep Blue because that is what made the trip exceptional. Ken at Galapagos Adventures says the Deep Blue is the only boat he travel with in the Gagapagos and he was right! Why travel on any other boat? The Deep Blue is the best dive operation in the Galapagos. Even though it is the only one I've been on, I know - they are the best. The accommodations were great and very comfortable and the staff was really excellent. Our guides, Antonio and Solong were the best - very knowledgeable, great guides and divers and a lot of fun. The meals were great and I made sure to tell Roberto, the chef every day how much I enjoyed his tasty and creative meals. Marcello was the most gracious and kind server always with the best smile on his face. John Pierre brought me a warm towel after just about ever dive and would come help with my wet suit as soon as he saw me struggle. Every crew member was wonderful. So, this is a little lengthy, but I really wanted to let to express how much I loved the trip and will refer all to Ken at Galapagos Adventures and The Deep Blue. I am working on a full length DVD "documentary" with my video. That's how great the trip was - I can actually make a great DVD.
Sue Chen Manhattan Beach, CA
Sue Chen Manhattan Beach, CA
