Tuesday was a more relaxing day. When we got up at 6:30, it was already 80 degrees.We were given the option of starting the day with a walk at 7:30 or a kayak trip at 8 or snorkeling until noon. We opted for the kayak trip and then some snorkeling. We hadn't kayaked for years but joined in with 3 other couples to meander along the coastline for an hour. A few sea lions darted around our kayaks along the way and we got to see a Galapagos hawk. We then returned to the ship to take a zodiac to the beach for snorkeling. It wasn't a terribly inviting beach, filled with insects, but once you maneuvered over the rocky, red beach, the snorkeling was excellent. There were loads of schools of fish and a sea lion opted to swim with us. Doug also pointed out a white tipped shark cruising along the bottom. We were back on board by 11am and it felt like we'd been gone for hours. Some folks saw turtles and others rays. A good morning!

Folks who were on the western route last week said each experience is quite different. The northern route has the boobys, beach snorkeling, albatross, frigates. The other route has whales, penguins, dolphins and no beach snorkeling..only deep water snorkeling. There is some overlap, but not too much.

The afternoon was a zodiac ride beginning at 3 for one group and 4:30-6 for our group. We sailed along the coastline looking at fishing birds, swimming sea lions, some rays, marine iguanas.

Evening brought a wine tasting followed by the briefing and then we went to deck 5 for the hot rocks dinner. Oh, and lunch today was a fish soup, lobster, vegetarian ceviche. Very tasty!

Tomorrow, we have a choice of a city tour or a turtle sanctuary in the morning and a death march or snorkeling in the pm. We've been told our streak of no rain may be over tomorrow. We will see.

During the afternoon, I explored deck 6. Deck 6 houses the 4 largest suites, an outdoor deck with 4 lounges, the spa and fitness center and a hot tub. I spent the better part of the afternoon up there. Deck 5 houses the outdoor grill area which is open for lunch and dinner. Deck 4 has the piano bar and an outside covered lounge area which is really nice. Deck 3 is reception, the library, the meeting room, the swim gear area outside and where we depart from. Deck 2 is the indoor restaurant, the medical center. The ship is small, with only 74 passengers on our voyage. Hope this helps you select where you'd rather be. There is no store. Things to buy are scattered in display cases around the ship and I guess you ask someone if you want something.

Folks really seem to be enjoying their Go Pros, so you may want to consider getting one. I'm kind of sorry that I didn't.

Well, that's all for today.