In her quest for self-discovery, Nikki Vontaya gave up an easy life in advertising sales, her apartment in New York City, and corporate burnout in favor of a passport and a plan to visit 12 countries in 12 months.
People reported last week that the 32-year-old Detroit native is in Peru in her tenth month where she has spent time with sea lions in the untamed waters off the coast.
“My first time traveling solo was for my 30th birthday in Cabo. I was super nervous, but it ended up being one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever taken,” Vontaya told People.
She felt confident enough to embark on this year-long solo adventure, her second solo trip at the age of 32, after her first experience. She planned four months in Europe, four in Asia, and another four in Latin America.
She had no plans to swim with sea lions when she arrived in Peru in late May; social media led her to make the impromptu decision.
“I saw a random TikTok about swimming with sea lions and thought, ‘that’s weird,’ and would have usually never thought to sign up for this,” Vontaya explained. “But when would I ever get the chance to do this again, especially in Peru, especially solo?”
She went ahead and scheduled the vacation, though, because this year is all about saying yes to things she would typically argue herself out of. Her family, including her mother, were quite anxious about her decision.
Vontaya and around 30 other people were taken on a speedboat ride that brought them far out into the open ocean, some 40 minutes off the coast. They saw penguins along the way before arriving at a sea lion community.
The stench of the sea lions shocked her. “It was bad at first, but you get used to it,” she revealed.
While some observed from the boat, about 75% of the party decided to jump into the icy water. To make sure everyone was ready, the guides provided a safety briefing before the swim.
“The instructor told us not to touch the sea lions and to keep our feet up in the water to show we’re not a threat,” Vontaya recounted. The sea lions were incredibly energetic, flipping through the water like “acrobats.”
“The noises they make sound like something out of a horror movie,” she admitted. “Definitely made me hesitate before jumping in.”
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Despite her bravery, Vontaya felt fear when a sea lion came uncomfortably close. She considered attacking for a brief moment, but she remained calm and reminded herself that the guides had stated that the animals were curious and not violent.
“It brushed up against my leg, then ran off really quickly. My heart was racing, and I screamed, but nothing happened, and once I calmed down, all was well,” she said. “I was nervous from the moment I jumped in the water and was questioning why I even signed up for this.”
Still, floating in the ocean among sea lions in their native environment stands out as the highlight of the whole trip. “It’s something I’ll never forget,” Vontaya admitted. “And it wasn’t as scary as I imagined it’d be.”
She advises prospective solo travelers to take the risk because it’s always worthwhile. “After 10 months of solo travel, I’ve had highs, lows and moments that completely changed how I see the world and myself,” Vontaya remarked. “You grow in ways you can’t plan for. Don’t let fear talk you out of the life that’s waiting for you on the other side of ‘yes.’”
Vontaya is an influencer on TikTok. She makes posts about her alopecia condition. She has also shared her journey of unemployment and travels with her online followers.
When she posted her activity video on TikTok, some fans were concerned about her safety especially since sea lions are prey to whales and sharks, yet, others commended her courage.
One commenter said, “They are lions of the sea, would you play with lions of the land? Girl, you are definitely brave.”
Another expressed, “Would not be in the water anywhere near them.. first of all.. orca and white sharks hunt them.. and if you’re in the water with them.. Yikes…”
One person also wrote, “Thank you for mentioning the smell. People never warn you!! Congratulations on this accomplishment.”
