“Look, look, over there!” In the distance, we see a flurry of activity on the horizon. The zodiac, motors along smoothly as we approach, and the full intensity of the scene before us is revealed. A frantic feeding frenzy on a huge school of sardines.
30-40 sea lions plunging through the waves as they chase the schools. Blue-Footed Boobys dive bombing left right and centre, hitting the water like missiles. Frigate birds circling above, trying to seal fish from unsuspecting seabirds. It really did feel like being in the middle of the National Geographic documentary.
In May this year, I had the opportunity to experience the incredible biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands on expedition with Lindblad Expeditions on board National Geographic Endeavour II.
The chance to get an insight into the workings of a large vessel was of great value to me, as working at sea is a goal I want to prioritise in my future career. This provided a novel chance to learn about ecotourism operations in one of the most unique environments on the planet.
Throughout the expedition, Lindblad’s team of expert naturalists guided us through the islands, offering fascinating insights into the unique biodiversity and evolutionary history of this remarkable archipelago. Their passion for conservation and sustainable tourism was evident in every aspect of the trip, from the carefully planned itinerary to the eco-friendly practices onboard.
Each day brought new opportunities to encounter the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos. From witnessing the iconic giant tortoises lumbering across the volcanic landscape to snorkelling alongside playful sea lions and the majestic Horn Shark.
A personal highlight for me was the opportunity to see marine iguanas, blue-footed boobys, and Galapagos penguins in their natural habitats. This was the first time I had seen a penguin swimming under water, which was a real highlight! Each island had its own distinct flora and fauna, and it was fascinating to see this evolutionary history firsthand.
The expedition offered a great range of activities, designed to enhance the exploration of the local area. Guests can choose between snorkelling, sea kayaking, paddle boarding, tours on a glass bottom boat, and hikes through the mountains.
While I was on board, I had the opportunity to give a short talk on my scholarship, and some of my highlight experiences from the year. This was well received by both guests and crew who had lots of questions about my journey!
The crew on board, aside from being highlighted knowledgeable, were also incredibly friendly and warm, making me feel right at home. As a surprise I brought some snacks all the way from Australia for them to try. The TimTams were certainly more popular than the Vegemite!
My time with Lindblad Expeditions not only provided an unforgettable expedition but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship. A role as a naturalist on board an expedition ship is an opportunity I would love to explore in future.
As my final scholarship experience comes to an end, I’m experiencing a surreal mixture of wistful melancholy and intense gratitude. The past 12 months have gone by so quickly, yet, I know I am not the same person I was when I began this scholarship.
I have learnt and grown so much in such a short amount of time, gaining skills and qualifications that would have taken years to achieve, experiencing a range of different conservation issues, and creating a global network of mentors and friends. I can’t begin to summarise my gratitude to everyone who has been involved in this journey. While the end of my scholarship marks the close of a chapter, I know my journey underwater is just beginning.
Thank you, and please keep in touch!
Sophie Kalkowski-Pope
2023 Australasian Scholar
I am so grateful to OWUSS for making opportunities I would not have dreamed of before and broadening my horizons to a global scale. A special thank you to the countless volunteers behind OWUSS, and the sponsors that make this scholarship possible at ROLEX. I would also like to thank my equipment sponsors at TUSA, Waterproof International, Reef Photo & Video, Mako Eyewear, Penetrator Fins, my camera gear sponsors at Reef Photo & Video, Nauticam, and long time scholarship supporters DAN, and PADI.
To follow along on my adventures, I highly recommend you follow me on social media!
My Instagram @sophie_dives is where I post most regularly.
You can also contact me on LinkedIn, Twitter, Tiktok, and the Australasian Scholar Facebook Page. You can also subscribe to this blog here!
