Hammerhead Sharks (Yes SHARKS)

After leaving the boat we were dropped off at our accommodation, then it was diving shop to get everything or fitted for tomorrow morning. Argh!!! Another early morning start. Why do I do this to myself.

It all started at 6:30am when we (Lisa and I) made my way to the dive shop. When the whole group had arrived we were on our way first things first breakfast then on to the harbour, we waited around for a little while as they packed the boat then we start to board the boat. Not the luxury boat that I spent the last week and a half on but it floats and has a motor. ( er... this is me trying so hard to be optimistic). As we hit open waters we were greeted by a extremely lost "Bottle nose Whale". We followed it for a while before it did a deep dive and swam a way.

Our first stop, was for a test dive. The dive master, wanted to use a calm area to make sure we were properly weighted and comfortable with the equipment before the real dive. Considering the challenging conditions we might face at Gordon Rocks, I think this test dive was an excellent idea! I jumped in the calm water with my big fat 7mil wet suit, and down I go with ease. With a few checks and test later we surface and pass with flying colours.

After our test dive it was time for the real thing: Gordon Rocks, a set of two or three immense black rocks protruding from the ocean. The water choppy and swell was going a little NUTS. As we gamely do our back roll entry into the water came up and looked for everyone. You know just to make sure everyone else is OK ;). The dive master was not far behind me, we are all paired off and 1,2,3, ready, go, down we went.

Straight away we have large schools of fish swimming around us. Several manta rays. The dive master indicates at a hammerhead shark in the distance but... I could not make it out. Not long after this we spot a Galapagos Shark and some White Tipped Sharks. I must have been excited, scared or very hungry as I was the first to indicate that I was starting to run low on air. I was paired up and made my way back to the surface. Not long after the other joined me and told me all about the Hammerhead sharks they saw. Dam! I missed it. We are back to the boat a little disappointed.

After a surface interval (and snack?) in a calmer area, we returned to the bubbling brew for another shot at the Hammerheads. We all start to descend again but this time Lisa lost one of her fins, lucky they float, the dive master got this and before you knew it Lisa was back in action.

Just after all the fin excitement we were greeted by two turtles swimming close by. They just looked so gentle. We continue to 20m and wait for hammerhead sharks to come past. While waiting for the big attraction more manta rays, eels, octopus and other sharks passed. I was beginning to think that hammerhead sharks did not exist. My air was getting low and I did not want to miss out again. Just as I thought there was no hope and I was going to have to go back up top, the dive master makes the silly "hammerhead" signal, and just observed the magnificent creature swim slowly by. AWESOME!!. And then right away... two more! They swam so slowly it was surreal. Well my air was definitely low now so I made my way to the top as the others stayed down for longer. I would have loved to have stayed down longer but hey I got to see hammerhead sharks. Yippie!!!

The ride home was nice and relaxing as I lay out in the sun on the front of the boat. 90 minutes later we are back at the port and unloading everything. Back to the dive shop and then a group lunch before heading back to the hotel for a afternoon nap. Hey!! diving takes it out of you.

Such a great day diving in the Galapagos.