To think one can snorkel and dive is wonderful. To think one can enjoy the underwater world is also wonderful. Yet to accomplish such activities we depend on all sorts of equipment. We cannot stay underwater without a supply of air in a pressurized scuba tank. We need fins to swim a bit faster and a wet suit to keep our bodies warm. For humans, such inventions are major gifts for we have conquered the water. For sea lions, the water is their world.
Sea lions have adapted to the water so well that whenever I see them under the water I truly envy them. They can remain submerged for long periods of time because their heartbeat slows down and they channel blood to vital organs. Water temperatures in the Galapagos vary from one season to the other and may sometimes drop to the low sixties. To cope with cold water they have a layer of blubber that acts as insulation.
Because we humans have no physiological adaptations to help us withstand and enjoy the underwater world, we use the magical inventions such as scuba tanks, fins and wet suits. In this photo we see one of our guests snorkeling with playful sea lions and having the thrill of a lifetime. Now on Polaris, our guests can enjoy our snorkeling program more than ever. They can stay in the water for longer periods of time since we have added wet suits to the list of snorkel equipment our guests can borrow. The suits really make a difference!
