Diving Galapagos Islands

Cousin's Rock

Cousin's Rock is a well known dive site and is situated off the east coast of Santiago (north of Bartolome). This is one of many divers' favourite dive sites because of the combination of coral covered rocks hiding all sorts of smaller creatures, along with a huge variety of tropical fishes and great possibilities for you to see large animals as well.

The site, which will likely form part of your Galapagos liveaboard itinerary, is formed by a rock that has a triangular shape and rises about 10m out of the water. Underwater it is steep on the northern and western sides and sloping on the eastern side. In the south lies a large rock separated by a narrow channel from the island. This rock has a huge longish overhang where black coral bushes grow.

The wall and slope provide a series of ledges made up of many layers of volcanic rock and overhangs. The rock is covered with a forest of black corals, small hard corals, sea fans, and red sponges. Because of the many ledges and overhangs, small creatures can hide well so this offers great macro diving - you will find different species of hawkfish, nudibranchs and frogfishes. Plus there's an excellent chance of seeing Galapagos sea horses, octopus and green sea turtles.

Out in the blue you can see manta rays, Galapagos sharks, hammerhead sharks, reef sharks and schools of barracudas. Cousin's Rock is also known for the large groups of spotted eagle rays you may spot here. On your safety stop you'll be accompanied by scores of playful sea lions as they chase the salema fish. This is a great opportunity to spend time watching these agile creatures dive and play.

All this and more makes Cousin's Rock one of the best places to dive in Galapagos and proves once more that diving in the Galapagos Islands is an exciting and unique experience.

Cousin's Rock Reef Basics: Wall dive with ledges
Depth: 5 - 27m
Visibility: 9 - 18m
Currents: Moderate
Surface conditions: Can be rough
Water temperature: 18 - 26°C
Experience level: Intermediate
Number of dive sites: 2
Diving season: All year round
Distance: 140 km west northwest of San Cristobal (9 hours)
Access: Liveaboard

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