Cousins Rock

About the site

Cousins Rock

Cousins Rock is a small, triangular islet off the east coast of Santiago, a little north of Bartolomé: all that remains of an eroded volcanic cone, rising from the sea in stepped ledges. Sea lions, blue-footed boobies and pelicans rest on its rocks, and below the water it is one of the best-known dive sites of the central islands.

The ledges and overhangs are covered with black coral, sea fans and sponges. In the black coral live Pacific seahorses, the site's most famous residents, along with hawkfish, frogfish, octopus and nudibranchs. Sea lions chase the schools of salema around the divers, green sea turtles and eagle rays are common, and out in the current you may see white-tipped reef sharks, Galápagos sharks, manta rays or hammerheads.

On the dive cruise, Cousins Rock is usually one of the last dives, on the way back to Baltra, and dive boats also visit it on day trips from Santa Cruz.

The current is usually moderate and can be strong, so the dive suits divers with some experience; a light helps to see the colors of the coral and the small creatures in the ledges.

Highlights

• Rich Marine Life