Baltra Island

I spotted my first sea lion moments after landing in the Galapagos on Baltra Island; this fellow was a sight more bashful than I thought he might be, but he certainly wasn't shy. The most surprising aspect of a visit to the islands is the wildlife's general ability to ignore or tolerate human visitors. This makes it difficult to remember not to encroach on their turf, especially during the first few animal encounters, but it's important to remember that even the smallest interaction can leave a lasting impression on this delicate biosphere.