Galapagos Sea Lions
On Rabida Island
Our second landing was on the distinctive red,
volcanic beach of Rabida Island.  The Galapagos Sea
Lions behaved in an exceptional way that allowed
for every seal photo I could possibly have imagined.
Tourists are completely ignored by the sea lions, who
have no fear of humans.  This is special to the Galapagos.
Every picture or video I wanted was easy to take.
The sea lions were so relaxed as I moved ever closer to them.
Standing right next to this subject, I achieved the best
possible head shot.  As a practical matter, I was invisible
to the sea lions.  Other Galapagos wildlife would later
display the same attitude.  Paradise at last.
This pup is fairly large, but nursing is still the easiest way
to eat.  On the next page are much smaller sea lion pups.
If you have a high speed internet connection, watch the
Intrepid Berkeley Explorer's free video of this trip, "Gringo
in the Galapagos", by clicking on AdventurePics.com  .