The Galapagos Islands

Deep Sea Rescue.

As we were sailing back after an amazing snorkeling session with sea lions, penguins and turtles, our guide, Eric, noticed a green net on the surface of the ocean. He immediately asked us to clear the deck. Pedro, the captain, ran over carrying a large kitchen knife. The situation quickly became clear: Some sea turtles had gotten caught in a fishing net.

They made the decision to pull the animals onto the boat (rather than struggle to release them underwater) and together, they went to work. They made a small incision in one sea turtle's skin, and after some struggling, pulled out a fishing hook. Before releasing the gentle creature back into the ocean, Eric gave her a big wet kiss. Splash! They performed the same mini surgery on the next sea turtle caught in the net.