“Turtle Sightings Guaranteed!”
These days, I take promises of viewing exotic wildlife with more than a pinch of saltwater. Particularly endangered species. To find pandas I had to travel for days. To glimpse a tiger, I shivered morning and night under a blanket of frost. 
But to see turtles in Barbados? I only needed to hold my nose and leap from a gleaming white boat.
Armed with only a bikini and a snorkel, I was surrounded as these tiger-striped beauties closed in. And they weren’t shy. I gulp and choke on the seawater as my head drops below the surface and my throat burns, trying not to swim for fear of damaging them with my flailing limbs.
Then something extraordinary happened.
The romantic inside me believes they saw my struggle; the cynic says I was in the way. Whatever the reason, a giant glided skyward from beneath me and kept on going until I was standing on its back, my head lifted into the air to breathe.
It seems that I was shy, not them, and I had to wonder who was viewing whom.
Turtle Safari
Lovely! I remember the first time I swam with the turtles – I’ve never been the same since! Thanks for reminding me of that moment.
I love the photo of the turtle looking back at you through the lens!
Sarah
Definitely one of my favourite travel experiences. Where did you see them?
This is an exciting experience! I’ve tried snorkeling and diving once, it was an awesome experience and would love to do it again soon. Unfortunately, during my firsts I haven’t seen any turtle’s in the area, just a lot of fishes, beautiful fishes. So, I look forward to experience swimming with this pretty guy here soon just like you did, Abi.
By the way, great blog! I just started traveling and I wish I could travel as much as you did, soon.
It’s a wonderful experience – I really hope you get to do it soon! Thank you for the compliments…